Deboxing is about critical thinking and questioning the status quo. When we debox, when we step out of our comfort zone,When I started studying Japanese at University, I was brought to think the the language I was learning was the only one spoken in Japan and I felt “safe” with this idea. Of course, I couldn’t be more wrong. When I became interested in Japanese Sign Language I quickly realized how much I was missing out. Here are 5 reasons why you should also give it a try!

1. To communicate

The most obvious reason for language learning is to communicate with people from different linguistic backgrounds. Did you know that over 5% of the World’s population ha a hearing disability? In Japan, about half a million people are estimated to be d/Deaf! Not every person with a hearing disability speaks Sign Language, but if you find yourself in the Kyoto area you might easily stumble across people speaking JSL: this is where the first Japanese School for the Deaf was established! Speaking JSL and joining a 手話サークル (Sign Language club) is a great way to make new friends and to expand your communication skills.

2. Everyone can sign

There are plenty of situations were Hearing people might need Sign Language as well! Ever made weird gestures to your friends in situations where you couldn’t talk? Communicating at a distance, in the library or at the Club are good examples of this. You could also become deaf yourself someday: a lot of people experience hearing because of old age! Wouldn’t it be nice to communicate naturally without having to rely o uncomfortable hearing aids or on other people screaming at you?

3. It’s a brain booster

Learning a new language is always good for the brain as it strengthens cognitive functions, it increases memory, attention span and creativity. Learning a Sign Language also adds bimodality to your cognitive abilities! Because Sign Languages rely on the visual-gestural modality, it helps develop visual-spatial perception and motor skills. Training different senses makes you become more aware of the environment!

4. It’s a cultural experience

Language learning always comes with learning about other cultures. Learning a Sign Language will help you increase awareness on the Deaf Community, Deaf history and Deaf culture. Learning JSL is not only a great opportunity to learn a new language, but it is also a chance to explore the world of Japanese social and linguistic minorities!

5. It’s fascinating

More than 300 Sign Languages are spoken worldwide. There are three main types of Sign languages in Japan:

  1. 日本手話　Nihon Shuwa, “Japanese Sign Language”
  2. 対応手話　Taiou Shuwa, “Manually Coded Japanese”
  3. 中間手話　Chuukan Shuwa, “Pidgin Signed Language”

JSL is a unique language system with its own history, complexity and expression. You will be surprised to see the differences with spoken Japanese!

Would you like to know how to introduce yourself in JSL? Start learning today with JaLea!