--- title: "Interpret: forms of communication and sign language" subject: "Communication English" chapter: 1 key: "semester_5/communication_english:interpret-sign-language-communication" source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_5/communication_english/interpret-sign-language-communication site: BCT Engineering --- # Interpret: forms of communication and sign language Communication English · Chapter 1: Intensive Reading - Asked in: 2073 Shrawan, 5 marks - Video: [Types of communication explained with proper examples | #learning #communication](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cHOAxj7LQE) — The Decode Project - Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14 - Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_5/communication_english/interpret-sign-language-communication - Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_5/communication_english/chapter-1 ## Question Read the following text carefully and interpret it so as to make the meaning clear. Ever since humans have inhabited the earth, they have made use of various forms of communication. Generally, this expression of thoughts and feelings has been in the form of oral speech. When there is a language barrier, communication is accomplished through sign language in which motions stand for letters, words, and ideas. Tourists, the deaf, and the mute have had to resort to this form of expression. Many of these symbols of whole words are very picturesque and exact and can be used internationally; spelling, however, cannot. ## Short answer Sign language uses motions to represent words and ideas, especially for those who cannot speak or share a language. Whole-word signs can be understood internationally because they are graphic, but finger-spelling is limited to a particular alphabet. ## Answer The passage explains that people have always communicated in many ways. Speech is the main form, but when people do not share a language, sign language is used. #### Explanation - **Oral speech.** Since the beginning of human life people have expressed thoughts and feelings mostly through spoken words. - **Sign language.** Where a language barrier exists, communication is carried out through signs, in which hand and body movements stand for letters, whole words or ideas. - **Who uses it.** Tourists in a foreign country, the deaf (who cannot hear) and the mute (who cannot speak) have had to depend on this form of expression. - **Strength and limit.** Many signs for whole words are "picturesque and exact", meaning they look like what they represent and express it clearly, so people of different countries can understand them. Signs for letters (finger-spelling), however, depend on the alphabet of a particular language, so spelling cannot be used internationally. #### Message Sign language is a useful substitute for speech and works across language boundaries when it uses word-signs, but it is limited when it relies on spelling. ## Check yourself The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why. 1. What is the main form of human communication per the passage? A. Sign language B. Writing C. Pictures D. Oral speech Answer: D. People have generally expressed thoughts and feelings in oral speech. (Key point: Main form of communication) 2. When is sign language used? A. When there is a language barrier B. When speech is faster C. Only in schools D. Only by the deaf Answer: A. Motions stand for letters, words and ideas; tourists, the deaf and the mute use it. (Key point: When sign language is used) 3. Why can many word signs be used internationally? A. They follow English grammar B. They are picturesque and exact, looking like what they represent C. They are the same as spelling D. They are taught in all schools Answer: B. Signs for whole words are clear in meaning across countries. (Key point: Word signs) 4. Why can finger-spelling not be used internationally? A. It is too slow to learn B. It is only for the deaf C. It depends on the alphabet of a particular language D. It has no symbols Answer: C. Spelling is language-specific. 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