Signed English - Definition and Overview

Various attempts to develop a signed mode of the English language have been developed for use in deaf education. They usually take a core of lexical signs from the local deaf sign language, in addition to inventing new signs especially for grammatical concepts, and incorporating some form of spelling. Unlike natural sign languages, Signed English uses the same grammar as English.

In the USA, it is known as Signed Exact English (SEE). In the United Kingdom they refer to Sign Supported English (SSE) and Signed Exact English. Australia has its own version called Australian Signed English, developed by a committee in the 1970's. New Zealand has its own system again.

The use of Signed English is controversial. Many Deaf people complain that it is awkward and difficult to sign, and that it is an attempt to replace their own native sign languages. However it is advocated by some educators as a way of providing deaf children with access to a visual form of the English language.

See also

• Total communication
• Paget Gorman Signed Speech