The signs often mirror ASL, but the grammar and syntax does not. This is sometimes called “ Pidgin Sign English” or PSE. Some may use signs in English word order, or signing what the speaker is saying word for word. This language is very different from written English but is the main form of communication of the North American deaf community. The primary one taught in most deaf education programs is American Sign Language, or ASL.

Sign language has a few different forms, so before teaching any sign language to kids, educators must choose the best one for the individual being taught. By teaching kids sign language, even if they are hearing kids, educators can help bridge the gap between the deaf community and the hearing one. Yet, sign language is not just for the deaf.

This is why sign language is a vital part of deaf education. Not only does it allow deaf people to communicate with one another, but it also allows them to reach outside of the deaf culture and communicate with hearing people in spite of their deafness. For the deaf community, sign language is one of the greatest communication tools they have.

Learn pidgin sign language