Let's Standardize the Sign Language Expression for 'Bangyeoksuchik' (Quarantine Rules)

'Gusangwon' Adopted with Two Recommended Sign Language Proposals

'Quarantine Rules' Sign Language

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the National Institute of the Korean Language announced on the 21st recommended sign language expressions for 'quarantine rules', 'subrogation claim', and '(COVID-19) diagnostic tool'. These three terms have been frequently used recently, but various expressions were mixed, causing difficulties in accurate communication.

The sign language for 'quarantine rules' was created by adding a sign meaning 'order', 'sequence', 'arrangement', or 'rules' to the signs for 'infection' and 'prevent' at the end. There are two sign languages for 'subrogation claim'. The first means 'subrogation claim' or 'to claim subrogation rights'. The second omits the sign for 'right' at the end and means 'to claim subrogation rights'.

'Claim for Reimbursement' Sign Language

The sign language for '(COVID-19) diagnostic tool' was devised by focusing on the shape of inserting a tool into the nose or mouth of a person undergoing a COVID-19 test. An official explained, "It is a form that clearly shows the iconicity (圖像性) of sign language."

The recommendations were prepared by the New Sign Language Group launched last March. It is an organization composed of sign language experts including officials from the Korea Association of the Deaf, sign language interpreters (public sign language interpreters and interpreters for the hearing impaired), sign language teachers, and linguistics majors. They collect and review sign language expressions from the deaf community.

'(COVID-19) Diagnostic Tool' Sign Language

The new sign languages 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 continue investigating the status of sign language and select and distribute sign languages that are likely to be widely used.