7. Use of Manual Signs and Gestures by Hearing Persons

Abstract

So far in this volume, we have discussed the history of the sign languages of Deaf persons and their recognition as true and genuine languages, as well as the unique richness of meaning that can be conveyed through a visual-gestural mode of communication. Signs also have proven to be beneficial to the larger hearing societies in which Deaf people live, as shown by our exploration of the use of signs by hearing persons in various historical contexts. These contexts included the initial interac..