SignWriting History Article for SigNews

[Deaf Action Committee]

SignWriting History Article
for SigNews, June 2004 Issue

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SIGNWRITING
Sign Languages Are Written Languages!

SignWriting History
Chapter 4

The SignWriter Newspaper
Fall, 1981 -Summer, 1984

The SignWriter Newspaper was a 12 to 24 page tabloid-size newspaper,
published quarterly from Fall, 1981 to Summer, 1984. It was the first
newspaper in history to be written in the movements of signed
languages. Most articles were written in two languages: English and
American Sign Language. Some articles were written in four languages:
English, Danish, American Sign Language and Danish Sign Language.
Around 11,000 copies were distributed freely to Deaf and hearing
signers in 41 countries.

Now, 20 years later, in 2004, no one can say that there is not a way to
write signs! In 27 countries, small groups of signers have chosen to
write their signed languages. It is estimated that thousands of people
write daily in SignWriting to express themselves. Some schools teach
Deaf children to read signs as young as 5 years old. Some people can
type signs, but most still write by hand.

When the SignWriter Newspaper was first published in 1981, there was
little experience with writing signs. Most signers thought that their
language could not be written. Some people were skeptical. Some people
expressed fear that sign language could be hurt by writing it. Some
even thought that writing signs would isolate Deaf people. All those
fears have proved to be false. Deaf people often become inspired to
read and write their language, when they learn SignWriting, and it
stimulates them to learn to read and write other languages, such as
English. A newly-found pride in one's culture is nurtured, when both
signed languages and spoken languages can be written equally, side by
side.

So, if it were not for the research experienced through the publication
of the SignWriter Newspaper 20 years ago, Deaf children today might not
be reading Sign Language Literature in Albuquerque, New Mexico, or
Osnabruck, Germany!

to be continued...


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