SIGN LANGUAGES AS CONVENTIONAL SYSTEMS IN COMMUNICATION OF DEAF PEOPLE

Abstract

Sign languages are conventional communication systems that arise spontaneously in all deaf communities around the world. The current article offers a glimpse into the problem of the essence of a natural human language, which exists in a physical modality different from that inherent in vocal language, which has imposed its centuries-old monopoly as an object of study. The present theoretical study is aimed at building a comprehensive vision of sign languages, which, until recently, have been marginalized in research interests. A brief historical analysis of the whole cycle of arising research in the field of sign language linguistics is presented. A special focus is placed on the genealogical relationships of sign languages, the identification of which still remains in the realm of hypothetical reasoning, in contrast to spoken languages, where this is stated as a clearly defined scientific fact. A well-deserved place is given to the quantitative dimensions of sign languages in the contemporary world. Harmonized data collection in the world register of visual languages is clearly in a position of direct dependence on social and linguistic factors. The question of the non-homogeneous character of sign languages, determined by territorial and social variations, is also considered. Despite the contrasts identified at different linguistic levels, specific features inherently present in the deaf community can be found in the variations of visual languages.