Using body language and sign language as forms of communication

Body and sign language speak and mean just as much as normal words do in our normal everyday lives. Although for us, when we see someone using proper sign language, we often have absolutely no idea of what their conversation is about. They’re signs often don’t relate to the object they talk about. Body language is easier to understand to the average person. It’s easy to see when a person is nervous, happy, uncomfortable, angry, etc. a skilled eye and some practice or knowledge makes this very easy.

Sign language is generally used by deaf people, although also simple hand gestures are used in our everyday lives or for example also in wars or police operations. We often use these simple sign languages to communicate to each other. The deaf use much more complex gestures and hand movements which each mean something else. My sister learned sign language in YMCA for some time and managed to learn and understand it. Trust me it isn’t easy. Me, personally, followed her and the YMCA deaf members on a trip to Cameron Highlands, it was a lot of fun! Even though I didn’t understand most of what they were telling each other, and to me. I always needed someone to translate it to me. However, I learned that their form of communication is just as effective and often more lively then our normal conversations involving words.

In our daily lives we often use signs and body languages as a form of unconscious communication. For example, crossed arms means ‘I’m conserved and not entirely comfortable’ or a cheerful smile or a relaxed standing position and walking style means you are in a good mood and easily approachable.

My conclusion for this is that you should be aware of the importance of your and others body language. What it is saying. Its good to learn how you could control these body languages as not to make them to obvious in some situations, for example in an interview. Another important point I want to highlight is that many people think that people who use sign language can’t communicate well. This is only true when they communicate to us. These people have their own way of effective communication and deserve just as much respect as anyone else.