Manually coded language

Manually Coded Languages (MCL) are representations of spoken languages in a gestural-visual form; that is, "sign language" versions of spoken langauges. They are not the natural languages of Deaf communities, although they often take signs (lexicon) from the deaf sign language and, with additional signs and initialisations, build them into a representation of the spoken langauge.

Their use can be traced to the Abbé de l'Épée in 18th century France, but they proliferated most in the latter half of the 20th century. They are often used in schools, as well as by interpreters.

The use of MCLs is controversial, and is opposed by those who believe Deaf people should speak, lipread and use hearing aids rather than sign, as well as those who support the natural sign languages of the Deaf community.

List of MCLs

• Manually Coded English
• Signed English
• Signed Spanish
• Signed German
• Signed Russian
• Arabic Sign Langauge

See also

• Contact sign - A mixed language arising from contact between a spoken or manually coded language and a deaf sign language.