Home sign meaning

Home sign is a form of communication unique to Deaf individuals living in close-knit communities.


Home sign definitions

Word backwards emoh ngis
Part of speech It appears that "home sign" could be considered a noun, as it refers to a visual sign or signal that is displayed in or near a house indicating that it is a place of residence.
Syllabic division home sign (2 syllables - home / sign)
Plural The plural of the word "home sign" is "home signs."
Total letters 8
Vogais (3) o,e,i
Consonants (5) h,m,s,g,n

Home Sign: A Unique Form of Communication

Home sign is a fascinating method of communication that has developed within families or communities where deaf individuals have not had access to formal sign language. In such situations, a home sign system emerges naturally as a way for individuals to communicate with each other using gestures, facial expressions, and body language.

The Origin of Home Sign

Home sign often arises in households with a deaf family member who has not been exposed to a formal sign language such as American Sign Language or British Sign Language. In these cases, family members, especially children, develop a unique system of gestures and signs to communicate effectively with their deaf relative. This improvised form of communication is known as home sign.

Characteristics of Home Sign

Home sign systems vary widely in structure and complexity, depending on the individuals involved and the length of time they have been using this form of communication. While some home sign systems may closely resemble established sign languages, others may be more idiosyncratic and particular to a specific family or community.

Challenges and Benefits

One of the main challenges of home sign is its limited vocabulary and lack of standardized grammar. This can make it difficult for individuals using home sign to communicate with people outside of their immediate environment. However, home sign also has its benefits, as it allows deaf individuals to form strong bonds with their family members and participate more fully in household activities and conversations.

The Role of Formal Sign Language

While home sign can be a valuable form of communication within a family or small community, it is important for deaf individuals to have access to formal sign language education. Learning a recognized sign language such as ASL or BSL not only expands a deaf individual's communication skills but also enables them to connect with a broader community of sign language users.

In conclusion, home sign is a unique and intimate form of communication that plays a crucial role in the lives of deaf individuals who have not been exposed to formal sign languages. While home sign has its limitations, it highlights the human capacity for language creation and adaptation in diverse circumstances.


Home sign Examples

  1. I learned how to use home sign to communicate with my deaf brother.
  2. The teacher taught the class the basics of home sign language.
  3. She used home sign to convey her message to the group.
  4. The elderly couple developed their own system of home sign over the years.
  5. The child used home sign to ask for more food at the dinner table.
  6. He quickly picked up on the gestures of home sign and was able to communicate effectively.
  7. The community center offered classes on home sign for those interested in learning.
  8. The interpreter used home sign to help bridge the communication gap between the two parties.
  9. She used a combination of home sign and spoken language to communicate with her friend.
  10. The family decided to learn home sign together to better communicate with their deaf relative.


Most accessed

Search the alphabet

  • #
  • Aa
  • Bb
  • Cc
  • Dd
  • Ee
  • Ff
  • Gg
  • Hh
  • Ii
  • Jj
  • Kk
  • Ll
  • Mm
  • Nn
  • Oo
  • Pp
  • Qq
  • Rr
  • Ss
  • Tt
  • Uu
  • Vv
  • Ww
  • Xx
  • Yy
  • Zz
  • Updated 01/05/2024 - 13:39:04