| SEE (Signing Exact English) and National Sign Languages
When discussing sign language interpretation or accessibility, two systems are often mentioned together: SEE (Signing Exact English) and national sign languages. At first glance, both may appear to be “languages expressed with the hands.” However, their purposes and contexts of use are fundamentally different.
Let’s explore what SEE and national sign languages are, why public services must prioritize national sign languages, and why Understanding is the true foundation of Accessibility.
| What Is SEE (Signing Exact English)?
SEE (Signing Exact English) is an educationally designed manually coded system that represents English grammar, word order, and vocabulary through signs. It was originally created to support English literacy development, not as a natural language for everyday conversation or cultural communication.
- Language type: Artificial code
- Structure: Mirrors English grammar and word order
- Purpose: Supports English reading and writing education
SEE can be meaningful as a literacy support tool. However, it is not considered the everyday language of the Deaf community.
In daily communication settings, SEE is often significantly slower and grammatically less natural than natural sign languages. In fact, it can be up to 2.5 times slower than natural sign language, making it less suitable for everyday conversations or public information delivery.
| National Sign Languages Are Natural Languages
National sign languages are natural languages that have evolved over time within Deaf communities.
They have:
• Their own grammar and linguistic structures
• Visual-spatial systems of expression
• Cultural identity passed down across generations
National sign languages are not simply tools for communication—they are the linguistic and cultural core of Deaf communities.
Korean Sign Language (KSL), for example, was officially recognized as a national language of the Republic of Korea in 2016.
The importance of national sign languages is also emphasized internationally.
In India, there was once a movement to introduce American Sign Language (ASL). However, the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) responded:
“Introducing a foreign sign language may infringe upon the language rights of the Deaf community.”
As a result, Indian Sign Language (ISL) was supported as a linguistic and cultural asset of Indian society. This case highlights that each country’s sign language is an inherent part of its social and cultural identity.
| Why Must Public Services Use National Sign Languages?
In public services, the most important question is not who can see the information—but who can understand it.
Since SEE is not widely used or easily understood by most Deaf individuals in daily life, applying SEE in public services may actually reduce accessibility and increase exclusion.
Accessibility without understanding is not true accessibility.
That is why public services must ensure accessibility centered on national sign languages.
| Different Purposes, Harmonious Use
SEE and national sign languages are not interchangeable—they serve different purposes.
We must respect each system’s role. However, in public services and information access, national sign languages must be prioritized. Only then can we move closer to a society where everyone can equally understand and participate.
- SEE: An educational tool that supports learning
- National Sign Language: A language that connects people and culture
EQ4ALL will continue to explore sign language accessibility from the perspective of connecting language, technology, and people.
| SEE (Signing Exact English) and National Sign Languages
When discussing sign language interpretation or accessibility, two systems are often mentioned together: SEE (Signing Exact English) and national sign languages. At first glance, both may appear to be “languages expressed with the hands.” However, their purposes and contexts of use are fundamentally different.
Let’s explore what SEE and national sign languages are, why public services must prioritize national sign languages, and why Understanding is the true foundation of Accessibility.
| What Is SEE (Signing Exact English)?
SEE (Signing Exact English) is an educationally designed manually coded system that represents English grammar, word order, and vocabulary through signs. It was originally created to support English literacy development, not as a natural language for everyday conversation or cultural communication.
SEE can be meaningful as a literacy support tool. However, it is not considered the everyday language of the Deaf community.
In daily communication settings, SEE is often significantly slower and grammatically less natural than natural sign languages. In fact, it can be up to 2.5 times slower than natural sign language, making it less suitable for everyday conversations or public information delivery.
| National Sign Languages Are Natural Languages
National sign languages are natural languages that have evolved over time within Deaf communities.
They have:
• Their own grammar and linguistic structures
• Visual-spatial systems of expression
• Cultural identity passed down across generations
National sign languages are not simply tools for communication—they are the linguistic and cultural core of Deaf communities.
Korean Sign Language (KSL), for example, was officially recognized as a national language of the Republic of Korea in 2016.
| Why Must Public Services Use National Sign Languages?
In public services, the most important question is not who can see the information—but who can understand it.
Since SEE is not widely used or easily understood by most Deaf individuals in daily life, applying SEE in public services may actually reduce accessibility and increase exclusion.
Accessibility without understanding is not true accessibility.
That is why public services must ensure accessibility centered on national sign languages.
| Different Purposes, Harmonious Use
SEE and national sign languages are not interchangeable—they serve different purposes.
We must respect each system’s role. However, in public services and information access, national sign languages must be prioritized. Only then can we move closer to a society where everyone can equally understand and participate.
EQ4ALL will continue to explore sign language accessibility from the perspective of connecting language, technology, and people.