There are thousands of Sign Languages spread all over the world, each country has its own version. And in today's article we will know details about Japanese Sign Language.
The Japanese sign language is known as 日本手話 (nihon shuwa), it was previously known as temane, and is internationally recognized by the acronym JSL - Japanese Sign Language.
Japanese Sign Language has a vocabulary and grammar that are different from spoken Japanese. It is somewhat similar to Taiwanese and Korean sign languages. Japanese Sign Language does not only use the hands and arms; it also utilizes the eyes, eyebrows, and jaw.
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Fun facts about nihon shuwa
More than one 95% of the deaf community in Japan understands Japanese Sign Language, approximately 80% understands the typing alphabet and television. There are over 100 schools for the deaf, the first being founded in Kyoto in 1878.
In Japan, the middle finger is used in sign language to indicate the sign for brother. Despite Western influence, the middle finger is not commonly used as an insult in Japan.
The kanji is used more than the hiragana alphabet in sign language. Sign language also undergoes changes according to the province and region of the country.
There are works such as animes and doramas that utilize sign language, like Gangsta, Orange Days, Babel, and others.
Hearing-impaired individuals should use a special sticker on the vehicle for identification. We recommend reading: 特別なステッカーが日本の車両に使用されています
Middle finger in Japanese Sign Language.
Something that went viral on the internet is the word "siblings" in Japanese (Kyoudai-兄弟) which is done by showing the middle finger using both hands. Something that can be quite comedic in the West, imagine several siblings in a church showing the middle finger to each other to get attention.
It is worth clarifying that the middle finger in Japan does not have the same meaning as in the West, although the Japanese are now aware of this Western use. The word for older brother (Aniー兄) also uses the middle finger, but only on one hand. The gesture is still done by raising the finger upwards.
You can see this type of sign being used in other contexts such as in the case of conveying the idea of money, or indicating "five" when used in conjunction with other fingers. You can see this gesture from Japanese sign language in anime like Gangsta, Orange Days, and Babel.
Japanese alphabet on signs
Below you can learn the Japanese alphabet in signs.
If you want to find media in Japanese sign language, we recommend the following websites:
Differences between Japanese and Brazilian sign language
The video below shows some differences between the sign language of Brazil and Japan.
