Let's Standardize the Sign Language Expression for 'Social Distancing'

'Social Distancing' Sign Language

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the National Institute of the Korean Language announced recommended sign language expressions for ‘social distancing,’ ‘everyday quarantine,’ and ‘drive-through medical examination’ on the 26th. These three terms have been frequently used since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), but various expressions have been mixed, causing difficulties in accurate communication.

Two recommended sign language expressions were selected for each of ‘social distancing’ and ‘drive-through medical examination.’ In the case of ‘drive-through medical examination,’ the perspectives of both the person being tested and the person conducting the test were reflected. An official explained, “This is an example showing the characteristic that the direction of sign language changes depending on the subject and object.”

'Ride-on Medical Treatment' Sign Language

The recommendations were prepared by the New Sign Language Group established in March. This organization consists of sign language experts including representatives from the Korea Deaf Association, sign language interpreters (public sign language interpreters and interpreters for the hearing impaired), sign language teachers, and linguistics specialists. They collect and review sign language expressions from the Deaf community. An official explained, “In the Deaf community, specialized terms or neologisms tend not to spread as unified sign language. If sign language interpreters use different signs individually, it becomes difficult for Deaf people to access related information.”

'Everyday Quarantine' Sign Language

The new sign language expressions will be used in government announcements (briefings) and so on. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the National Institute of the Korean Language plan to continuously investigate the status of sign language use and select and distribute sign language expressions that are likely to be widely used.