Sign Language Vocabulary

adjective lacking the power of hearing or having impaired hearing

• The school implemented sign language classes to accommodate deaf students.
• My neighbor is deaf, but she can still communicate through lip reading.
• I heard that new movie is so good, it will make you go deaf from all the explosions!
• The loud music at the concert was so intense, it was like being temporarily deafened.

noun A person's lips or the opening of a container that can be used for drinking or pouring

verb The action of forming words with the lips without making any sound

• The teacher noticed the student mouthing the words as she read the passage aloud.
• I caught my little brother mouthing along to his favorite song in his room.
• Stop mouthing off and just do your homework already!
• She was mouthing empty promises, but I knew not to trust her words.

noun a form of communication using hand gestures and movements instead of spoken words

• Handspeak is a form of communication that involves using gestures and signs with one's hands.
• I can handspeak with my friend across the room without saying a word.
• Some people are so good at handspeak, they can have a whole conversation without speaking.
• His handspeak was so expressive that I could feel his emotions without him saying a word.

noun British Sign Language

• British Sign Language (BSL) is the main sign language used in the United Kingdom.
• I learned some basic BSL signs to communicate with my deaf friend.
• Some people think learning BSL is a breeze, but it actually takes a lot of practice.
• Understanding BSL is like learning a whole new language in silence.

noun American Sign Language

• American Sign Language (ASL) is a visual language used by deaf and hard of hearing individuals.
• I've been learning ASL so I can communicate better with my deaf cousin.
• Let's practice our ASL skills together and see how fluent we can get!
• Learning ASL has opened up a whole new world of communication for me.