Introduction to “Sord” (English)
The term “sord” (n., pl. sords) is a new word coined to mean “sign word.” It represents a unique concept within sign languages, specifically as a word or unit in BIM. A sord comprises a combination of handshape, palm orientation, location, movement, and non-manual markers, similar in function to words in spoken or written languages. By combining “sign” and “word,” this term fills an essential linguistic gap by identifying the smallest meaning-carrying unit in BIM, expressed with the hands.
Background on BIM
BIM is a fully independent language that enables Deaf people in Malaysia to convey thoughts and emotions to those who understand it. Like spoken languages, BIM follows a unique grammatical structure but is expressed through manual signs, as it currently has no written form.
In spoken or written languages, each unit of meaning is a “word.” Sign languages also have comparable units, often referred to as “signs.” However, phrases like “BIM sign” do not fully capture the linguistic integrity of BIM as a structured language. The term “sign” alone does not equate to “word” in the way that spoken or written languages do; rather, it often implies a form of pantomime, failing to convey the language’s linguistic richness.
The introduction of “sord” as a distinct term addresses these issues. It emphasizes that the components of BIM are equivalent to words in spoken languages, preserving their integrity as meaningful language units and highlighting BIM’s distinct structure and independence as a language.
Importance of “Iskata” in Malay
In Malay, “iskata” (from isyarat and kata) functions similarly to “sord” in English. Its definition encompasses a handshape, palm orientation, location, movement, and non-manual markers, conveying meaning through a unique BIM structure. Like the term “sord,” “iskata” provides a precise term for referring to BIM vocabulary and aids in distinguishing BIM from other languages, enhancing public awareness of its distinct structure.
The standard term “isyarat” does not accurately describe BIM’s vocabulary. When people ask “berapa isyarat kamu tahu?” (How many signals do you know?), they may associate “isyarat” with signals like traffic signals or body language, rather than sign language vocabulary. Thus, “iskata” clarifies that BIM has its own linguistic identity, helping to eliminate misconceptions and empowering the Deaf community.
Addressing Translation and Linguistic Challenges
A common misconception is that BIM is merely an extension of Malay, often seen as a third way to communicate the same ideas after speaking and writing in Malay. This misunderstanding suggests that BIM lacks a unique structure and merely mirrors Malay vocabulary through signs, which diminishes BIM’s status as an independent language.
The misconception becomes clearer when considering translation issues. People generally understand that words in English or Malay cannot always be translated literally due to cultural and linguistic differences. However, there is often an assumption that all sords in BIM can be directly translated from spoken or written languages, which is not the case.
Consider the following examples:
- Example 1: When someone asks, “How do you pronounce ‘dignity’?” a response would involve using one’s voice to articulate the word. If asked, “How do you spell ‘dignity’?” the response would involve writing it down. But if asked, “How do you sign ‘dignity’?” the response would involve producing the sign in BIM. This pattern of “pronounce, spell, sign” suggests that languages can be expressed in these three modes. However, this interpretation incorrectly implies that BIM simply mirrors spoken language structure, when in fact, each sign, or sord, exists independently within its own linguistic framework.
- Example 2: The English dictionary definition of “sign” includes the phrase “to express (a word or thought) in a sign language,” which reinforces the assumption that signs merely translate spoken language words. This view fails to recognise that sords carry unique meanings and may not always correspond directly to a single word or phrase in spoken language, just as words in English or Malay do not always translate directly between each other.
These examples help illustrate that sords and iskata represent unique linguistic units within BIM, which cannot always be directly matched to spoken language words. Using these terms highlights the independent structure and cultural significance of BIM, avoiding the assumption that it is simply an alternate form of Malay.
The adoption of “sord” and “iskata” can thus help bridge this gap, establishing terms exclusive to sign language vocabulary and clarifying that each sord or iskata is part of a unique linguistic system. As the term “word” is commonly associated with sound, “sord” and “iskata” represent an innovative approach to positioning BIM vocabulary as distinct and independent.
Note: The new terms were coined by Dr. Anthony Chong in early April 2019. This article was originally written in May 2019 and has undergone several revisions for improved clarity and understanding
Read the other post: Shaping Perceptions: How Sord and Iskata Strengthen BIM’s Linguistic Status