Chapter 1
Sign languages as natural languages

Assignment 4

What are the differences between pantomime and sign languages?

  • Pantomime involves the whole body while sign languages (with few exceptions) primarily use the hands, upper body, and face/head.

  • Pantomime involves all the space around the body: sign languages use the (more restricted) signing space.

  • Pantomime has no grammar: sign languages do.

  • Pantomime is not clearly linked to a particular group of people; sign languages are used within a linguistic community.