The art of communication transcends the spoken word. There are millions of people within the deaf community in India who communicate via Indian Sign Language (ISL). Knowing some basic signs in ISL is very essential towards building an inclusive society. It could prove useful in all sorts of interactions, from meeting a person for the first time to daily dealings.

What Is Indian Sign Language (ISL)?

The Indian Sign Language (ISL) is the visual-motor language mostly used by the deaf population in India. Unlike spoken languages, the Indian Sign Language is a language that uses specific hand shapes, facial expressions, body movements, and the placement of objects in space to communicate. It has its own grammar and syntax rules, hence an independent language.

5 Indian Sign Language Signs Everyone Should Know

Here are five sign languages everyone should know for everyday communication.

1. Hello

How to Sign: Take your primary hand and raise it to your temple or your forehead with your palms facing outwards. Then, wave your hand gently. Smiling at the same time will make the greetings more inviting.

2. Thank You

How to Sign: Place your fingers at the corner of your chin or mouth and move your hand slowly towards the other individual while making this gesture. This gesture symbolically shows that you are transferring your gratitude to the other person through your mouth.

3. Sorry

How to Sign: Form a light fist using your dominant hand and put it on the center of your chest. You can move your fist in a clockwise direction in a circular manner. This symbolizes an apology that is from the heart.

4. Help

How to Sign: Make a closed fist with your dominant hand, keeping your thumb upwards. Place your dominant hand on top of the open palm of your other hand, and raise both hands up to show that you need help.

5. Yes And No

Yes: Fist shake, form a fist with your hand and nod it up and down on the wrist just as you would do with your head.

No: Clap your thumb, forefinger, and middle finger together in a snap action, along with a head shake from side to side, signifying denial.

Why Learning Basic Indian Sign Language Matters

Understanding basic ISL is an important step in tearing down social barriers and developing empathy within communities. It allows people to have easy exchanges within society, at work, and in schools, and ensures that people who are part of the Deaf community will be seen and acknowledged.

Tips For Beginners To Learn Indian Sign Language

  • Facial expressions and eye movements provide significant grammatical information as well as emotions in ISL along with hand signs.

  • Set aside some time every day for learning the fingerspelling (alphabet) and conversational basics.

  • Utilise videos, dictionaries, or applications offered by institutes such as Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC).

    • Conclusion

    Knowing how to use fundamental signs such as Hello, Thank You, and Help is an easy and effective method of creating inclusion in our day-to-day lives. By taking some time to learn Indian Sign Language, you will be helping to build a more inclusive community for all.

    Image credits: Freepik

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