Why Introduce Sord and Iskata?
In spoken and written languages, the smallest unit of meaning is a word. However, when discussing sign languages, people often lack the right terminology to describe their structure accurately. This leads to misunderstandings, such as:
- Sign languages are just hand gestures, not real languages.
- Sign languages mimic spoken language instead of having their own grammar.
- Signs are communication tools rather than linguistic units like words.
To correct these misconceptions, the terms Sord (English) and Iskata (Malay) were introduced in 2019. They highlight that signs function as words within a fully developed language, rather than as symbols or gestures.
Using the Correct Terminology
The words “sign” (English) and “isyarat” (Malay) have multiple meanings beyond sign language, making them unclear when referring to linguistic units. This creates confusion, such as in these questions:
🚫 Incorrect:
❌ “How you sign language for ‘lion’?”
❌ “What sign language for ‘lion’?”
✅ Correct:
✔ “How do you sign ‘lion’?”
✔ “What is the sign for ‘lion’ in BIM?”
By adopting Sord and Iskata, we provide a precise way to describe sign language words, reinforcing their status as essential components of a legitimate language.
How Language Shapes Perception
The way we name things influences how we understand them. If people do not have the right vocabulary to describe sign languages, they may struggle to recognise them as full linguistic systems.
Compare these two questions:
1️⃣ How many signs do you know?
- A hearing person unfamiliar with sign language might say:
“I know a few traffic signs, zodiac signs, and warning signs, but not much beyond that.”
2️⃣ How many words do you know?
- The same person might reply:
“Uh, a lot? I’ve never counted, but enough to get by.”
This demonstrates how the word “sign” is not naturally associated with language, whereas “word” is. This is why the terms Sord and Iskata are necessary—they ensure that signs are recognised as linguistic units, just like words.
What is Sord?
📝 Sord (noun) [sɔːd] – A term used within the Deaf community to refer specifically to sign language words in English.
A sord consists of a combination of handshape, palm orientation, location, movement, and non-manual markers, similar in function to words in spoken or written languages. By merging “sign” and “word,” sord fills an essential linguistic gap by identifying the smallest meaning-carrying unit in BIM, expressed with the hands.
What is Iskata?
📝 Iskata (noun) [iskata] – The Malay equivalent of Sord, referring to sign language words in BIM (Malaysian Sign Language) and other sign languages. It reinforces that signs function as words, not as a system for mimicking spoken Malay.
The Real Impact of Misunderstandings
The lack of precise terminology has led to serious misconceptions, including:
❌ BIM is just an alternative to Malay, not its own language.
❌ Deaf people should master Malay first before using BIM.
❌ Interpreters should translate sign language word-for-word into Malay.
Such misunderstandings hinder Deaf education, limit accessibility, and reduce recognition of BIM as a legitimate language.
Why It Matters
Recognising Sord and Iskata is not just about introducing new terms—it is about changing perceptions, strengthening linguistic identity, and ensuring BIM is respected as a natural language.
By using the correct terminology, we can:
✅ Shift perceptions of sign language from a visual tool to a fully developed language.
✅ Strengthen the cultural and linguistic identity of the Deaf community.
✅ Ensure that BIM is recognised and respected as a real language, not just a communication aid.
Language shapes how we see the world—and with Sord and Iskata, we are taking a crucial step towards properly recognising and valuing BIM.
Read the other post: Establishing ‘Sord’ and ‘Iskata’ as Essential Terms for Recognising BIM’s Unique Linguistic Identity