is "sign language" international ?
 

OK , without sounding crass or insensitive , does anyone know if 'sign language' is international , e.g. can an English sign user communicate with say a French , Italian , Arabic or Chinese sign user , or are the 'sign languages' different ?
completly innocent question , no other motives , just something I am completly ignorant about , It was something I noticed when at the Airport earlier today and 'saw' some 'interaction ' between two different groups , one American and the other a group arriving on an international flight .
Thanks

Re: is "sign language" international ?
 

i THINK THE OLD TWO FINGER SALUTE IS PRETTY MUCH INTERNATIONAL

Re: is "sign language" international ?
 

so much for Australia being culturaly sensitive ...:D :D

Re: is "sign language" international ?
 

What about 1 finger

Re: is "sign language" international ?
 

Sign language differs from country to country just like a spoken language. Believe it or not, even though the americans speak a certain form of english the sign language is different! English sign uses two hands and american uses one. I'm sure though that there are certain signs that are understood worldwide...

Re: is "sign language" international ?
 

What a good question! I too am ignorant to this, i would have thought signing was different because some of the english sign language 'shape' the letters or words, but had never considered it as a fact.

Re: is "sign language" international ?
 

My other halves Daughter-in-law is learning sign language wit here job working with children with learning difficulties

Re: is "sign language" international ?
 

I don't know about official sign language but you have to be careful with gestures. Never shake your fist in front of a Greek and don't give an Arab a thumbs up sign. I've heard that our "it's great" sign, thumb and forefinger into a circle and the other fingers held up, means something extremely rude around the Med too.

Re: is "sign language" international ?
 

most women can manage at least two before their feelings are hurt