sign language

USAGE SUMMARY

"sign language" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the visual gesture-based language used by the deaf community. For example, "The mayor is taking a course to learn sign language in order to communicate better with the deaf population in the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They communicated by sign language.

The New Yorker

Sign language interpretation.

The New York Times - Arts

Use sign language?

The New Yorker

American Sign Language II.

University of California, Berkeley

Captioning translated the sign language for viewers.

The New York Times - Arts

"There was no sign language".

The New York Times

A basic sign language developed".

The New York Times

"Alf Sign Language," Blitz corrected.

The Guardian

"It's sign language," I explained.

The New Yorker

What's sign language for "phwoar!"?

The Guardian

Can apes learn sign language?

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "sign language", specify the particular language (e.g., American Sign Language, British Sign Language) for clarity, as they are not mutually intelligible.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "sign language" is a universal form of communication; different countries and regions have their own distinct sign languages. Therefore, avoid generalizing "sign language" into a global form of communication.

Linguistic Context

"Sign language" functions primarily as a noun phrase, referring to a visual-manual language used for communication. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts, as seen in the examples provided. It serves as the subject or object in sentences, describing the method of communication.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sign language" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase referring to a visual-manual language. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's prevalent in various contexts, including news, academia, and science. It is essential to recognize that it's not a universal language; each country and region has its distinct form. When using the term, specifying the particular language, such as American Sign Language or "British Sign Language", can provide greater clarity. By understanding these nuances, writers can communicate effectively and accurately about "sign language" and its role in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

american sign language

Specifies a particular sign language used in the United States.

british sign language

Specifies a different particular sign language used in the United Kingdom.

signed communication

Emphasizes the action of communicating through signs.

manual communication

Focuses on the method of communication using hands, encompassing broader techniques.

visual language

Highlights the visual nature of the communication system.

gesture-based communication

Highlights the use of gestures as the primary means of conveying information.

communication through gestures

Highlights the method of using gestures in communication

non-verbal communication

Encompasses all forms of communication that do not involve spoken words, a broader category.

tactile signing

Refers to a method of sign language where the receiver feels the shapes and movements of the signs.

finger spelling

Describes the spelling of words using hand gestures, a component of some sign languages.

FAQs

How to use "sign language" in a sentence?

You can use "sign language" to describe a method of communication, such as, "She is fluent in American "Sign Language"" or "They communicated using "sign language" because of the noise."

What can I say instead of "sign language"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "manual communication", "gesture-based communication", or specify the language as "American Sign Language".

Which is correct, "sign language" or "signed language"?

"Sign language" is the more common and accepted term for a visual language used by deaf communities. "Signed language" is also correct, but less frequently used.

What's the difference between "sign language" and "body language"?

"Sign language" is a structured language with its own grammar and vocabulary, used primarily by the deaf community. "Body language" refers to nonverbal cues and expressions that accompany spoken language or convey emotions.