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Greek Sign Language. Moreover, you will find other useful resources about Greek like words, schools, Greek literature and more

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    • Greek Sign language

    General Characteristics

    Estimates say that Greek Sign Language (GSL), is used by 12,000 children and 30,000 adults. Some of its characteristics are similar to American and French Sign Languages and various indigenous sign languages, which came together in the 1950s.

    Name Signs in GSL

    Name signs have existed in Greek Deaf culture since antiquity. However, little is known about Greek Sign Language (GSL) and the Greek Deaf community.

    In most sign languages, name signs can be placed in two general categories: arbitrary name signs (ANS) and descriptive name signs (DNS). In order to form an Arbitrary Name Sign (ANS), the hand shape must be alphabetic to represent the initial of one's written first, middle, or last name. Descriptive Name Sign system is based upon rules that apply to all hand shapes, movements, and locations used to describe a person's characteristics or behaviour. The hand shapes are classifiers used within the language and refer to sizes, shapes, objects, and people. The Greek Deaf community uses both types of name signs: descriptive (DNS) and arbitrary (ANS). The most popular form of naming uses the DNS process. The most frequently used hand shapes in Greek name signs correspond to the most frequently used hand shapes in GSL, and these are referred to as the unmarked hand shapes. Name signs are not passed down within families but are assigned by the members of the Deaf community or by Deaf peers in the educational setting. Once a name sign has been assigned it will stay with a person, usually for life. Names signs may include gender references and familial references. Name signs obtained after the end of schooling may be associated with occupations or vocations. Similar naming processes are also found in Greek hearing culture.

    Fingerspelling and Mouthing

    Greece has traditionally educated its Deaf citizens using oral methods; the educational attainment of Deaf Greeks who have been through the school system is generally very low (Kourbetis, 1987). The oral training in Greek schools evidently has influenced the signing of Deaf people, in that mouthing is used more than fingerspelling. The lack of formal education among the older generation and its attitude toward schooling have resulted in negative feelings toward the use of fingerspelling. The use of fingerspelling is taken as an act of oppression; hence, it is looked down upon. Consequently, fingerspelling is not commonly used by Greek Deaf adults. This attitude is less common among younger members of the Deaf community because of their greater educational experience and the growing use of GSL in the hearing world.

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