An international team of linguistics experts has utilized a computer model to compare the origins of the most common modern sign languages. The research, published in the journal Science, delves into the unique nature of sign languages, which are specific to different groups or cultures, much like spoken and written languages. The study focuses on dissecting the formation of words in sign languages, analyzing core vocabulary attributes and conducting a computational analysis of the glossaries for 19 major sign languages. The modeling takes into account physical attributes used to form words and concepts, such as handshape, hand location, and movement of hands and arms. The team was able to build family trees of sign languages, identifying a major split between European and Asian sign languages. They also discovered previously unknown associations between British and Western English sign language varieties. The research provides valuable insights into the evolution of sign languages and their historical influences. For more information, you can visit the source from phys.org
