Do you know that Bahasa Isyarat Malaysia (BIM) or Malaysian Sign Language is the national sign language of Malaysia? The deaf community, they are unable to communicate like us. Therefore, they have a specific sign language to help them communicate among themselves or with other people.
Deaf people around the world do not use the same sign language. According to Sign For Malaysia, even if two countries share the same spoken language, their sign language is different. Interesting, right?
As we live in Malaysia, let’s learn the basic sign language for BIM.
1) Thank you
Picture: Sign For Malaysia
- Open the palm of your hand, touch your fingers on the chin, and act like you are blowing a kiss.
2) You are welcome
Picture: Sign For Malaysia
- With your right hand, clench all your fingers except the thumb and pinky. Then, wriggle!
3) Congratulations
Picture: Sign For Malaysia
- Hold your hands together, and bring them up to your face, and shake it a little.
4) Hi
Picture: Sign For Malaysia
- Saying hi is like sending them a salutation. Yes, like what the soldiers and polices do!
Isn’t that easy? Let’s remember this essential BIM and apply them in the future.
If you are interested, there are many opportunities out there for you to learn BIM. For example, Sign For Malaysia is a project to increase awareness about the deaf community as well as the national sign language. They can guide you in knowing about the community and teach you our national sign language. For further information, do check out their website here.
Let’s support the deaf community!
Source: Sign For Malaysia
