Chinese Sign Language and Culture
Explore Chinese Sign Language and Deaf culture, and build basic communication skills for inclusive interaction.
306 enrolled on this course
Duration
5 weeksWeekly study
2 hours100% online
How it works
Chinese Sign Language and Culture
This course has been certified by the CPD Certification Service as conforming to continuing professional development principles. Find out more.
Discover the language, culture, and community of Chinese Sign Language
Millions of people use Chinese Sign Language (CSL) every day to communicate, connect, and express themselves. On this engaging course from Shanghai International Studies University (SISU), you’ll get an essential introduction to CSL while exploring the culture and history of the Chinese Deaf community.
Your journey begins with the basics of CSL vocabulary, grammar, and conversational expressions. Through interactive exercises and cultural insights, you’ll then build foundational signing skills and grow your confidence in communication.
Learn how signs are formed and explore the history of CSL
As you progress, you’ll uncover the rich linguistic roots of CSL, learning how signs are formed and how the language has evolved.
Along the way, you’ll discover what these patterns reveal about Chinese culture and the unique ways the Deaf community expresses identity and connection.
Connect language learning with cultural understanding
You’ll also reflect on the relationship between the Deaf and hearing communities in China. You’ll gain a new perspective on how CSL supports social connection and inclusivity, as well as how communication norms are shaped by culture.
To enhance your learning, you’ll work through real-life examples and hear direct perspectives from the Deaf community.
Examine CSL in a global context
Discover how cross-cultural communication and interaction with other sign languages have influenced CSL. You’ll gain a comparative perspective and recognise the global role of sign languages in promoting linguistic and cultural diversity.
By the end of this course, you’ll not only be able to use basic CSL but you’ll walk away with a deep understanding of the values, challenges, and contributions of China’s Deaf community.
Syllabus
Week 1
Lecture 1 & 2 - Chinese Sign Language (CSL) History & CSL Lesson
Lecture 1: Definition of Deaf Culture & Chinese Sign Language (CSL) Lesson of Self-introduction
After watching the teaching video, you will learn about the definition of Deaf Culture and how to introduce yourself in CSL.
Lecture 2: Brief History of CSL Culture & CSL Lesson of Different Kinds of Sign Language
After watching the teaching video, you will know how CSL Culture developed, and how to sign other sign languages in the world in CSL.
Week 2
Lecture 3 & 4 - CSL Corner & CSL Lesson of Family and Occupation
Lecture 3: The significance of CSL Culture & CSL Lesson of Family
After watching the teaching video, you will discover how CSL connects to other sign languages, and learn how to talk about your family using CSL.
Lecture 4: CSL Culture-CSL Corner & CSL Lesson of Occupation
After watching the teaching video, you'll understand why CSL Corners continue to thrive in different parts of China, and learn the signs for various occupations in CSL.
Week 3
Lecture 5 & 6 - CSL in Daily Life (1) & CSL Lessons of Life and Hobbies
Lecture 5: Sign Language Culture in Romantic Relationships & CSL Lesson of Daily Routine
After watching the teaching video, you'll know how the Deaf community talks about love, and learn to describe your daily routine using CSL.
Lecture 6: Sign Language Culture in Daily Life – Clothing & CSL Lesson of Hobbies
After watching the teaching video, you'll understand the origins of clothing signs in CSL, and learn to talk about your interests in CSL.
Week 4
Lecture 7 & 8 - CSL in Daily Life (2) & CSL Lessons of Transportation and Communication
Lecture 7: Sign Language Culture in Daily Life – Food & CSL Lesson of Transportation
After watching the teaching video, you will understand how global food cultures are reflected in sign languages, and learn to sign various types of transportation in CSL.
Lecture 8: Sign Language Culture in Daily Life – Housing & CSL Lesson of Communication Methods
After watching the teaching video, you'll know how different buildings are signed in CSL, and learn how Deaf and hearing people communicate.
Week 5
Lecture 9 & 10 - CSL in Daily Life (3) & CSL Lessons of Deaf Gatherings and Café
Lecture 9: Sign Language Culture in Daily Life – Travel & CSL Lesson of Deaf Gatherings
After watching the teaching video, you will discover how CSL has evolved alongside developments in transportation, and learn about the Deaf community's preferences for social gatherings.
Lecture 10: Money – What Makes the World Go Round & CSL Lesson of Café Vocabulary
After watching the teaching video, you'll discover how social changes have shaped money signs in CSL, and pick up useful signs for talking about cafés.
Final Exam
This test consists of 45 questions. For the translation questions, videos are embedded via YouTube on the FutureLearn platform. Hope you enjoy this opportunity to apply what you’ve learned over the past few weeks!
Who is this accredited by?
The CPD Certification Service was established in 1996 and is the leading independent CPD accreditation institution operating across industry sectors to complement the CPD policies of professional and academic bodies.
When would you like to start?
Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.
Available now
Learning on this course
On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.
What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...
- Explore the historical development of Chinese Sign Language and its relationship with global historical contexts.
- Engage with the Chinese Deaf community by understanding how Chinese Sign Language reflects and shapes daily social interactions.
- Practice basic conversations in Chinese Sign Language across everyday topics, with a focus on essential vocabulary and grammar.
- Describe the structure and origin of Chinese Sign Language signs through introductory insights into etymology and word formation.
- Compare the effects of cross-cultural communication on the evolution and diversification of Chinese Sign Language.
Who is the course for?
This course is for English-speaking learners interested in Chinese Sign Language, Deaf culture in China, or cross-cultural communication. No prior experience is required.
Who will you learn with?
-PhD in applied linguistics at Fudan University
-Associate researcher at Shanghai International Studies University
-Research interest: Chinese sign language linguistics and deaf studies
-Expert in Chinese Sign Language and its regional varieties
-Experienced sign language teacher (2018-)
-International Guest at Radboud University Nijmegen (2019)
•Deaf family background; fluent in CSL & Chinese
•Sign language teacher & event planner
•BA in BUU
•Level 2A CSL–Mandarin certificate
•Organized inclusive events ect.
•Invited by Deaf Association for video
-Native CSL deaf signer from the deaf family
-Experienced sign language teacher (2023-)
Who developed the course?
Shanghai International Studies University (SISU)
Shanghai International Studies University (SISU), established in 1949, is one of the earliest institutions where China’s higher education in foreign languages took shape.
| Best ValueBest Value - learn more, save more! | |||
Ways to learn | Buy this course | Subscribe & save | Start learning today |
|---|---|---|---|
| Choose the best way to learn for you! | $79/one-off payment | $244.99 for a whole year Automatically renews | Free |
| Fulfill your current learning need | Develop skills to further your career | Try this course - with limits | |
| Access to this course | tick | tick | Limited to 5 weeks |
| Access to 1,000+ courses | cross | tick | cross |
| Learn at your own pace | tick | tick | cross |
| Discuss your learning in comments | tick | tick | tick |
| Tests to check your learning | tick | tick | cross |
| Certificate when you're eligible | Printed and digital | Digital only | cross |
Cancel for free anytime |
Ways to learn
Choose the best way to learn for you!
Subscribe & save
$244.99 for a whole year
Automatically renews
Develop skills to further your career
- Access to this course
- Access to 1,000+ courses
- Learn at your own pace
- Discuss your learning in comments
- Tests to boost your learning
- Digital certificate when you're eligible
Cancel for free anytime
Buy this course
$79/one-off payment
Fulfill your current learning need
- Access to this course
- Learn at your own pace
- Discuss your learning in comments
- Tests to boost your learning
- Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible
Start learning today
Free
Try this course - with limits
- Limited to 5 weeks
Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades) Sale price available until 2 November 2026 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply. | |||
Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)
Sale price available until 2 November 2026 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply.
Learning on FutureLearn
Your learning, your rules
- Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
- Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
- Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores
Join a global classroom
- Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
- Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
- Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others
Map your progress
- As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
- Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
- Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate
Want to know more about learning on FutureLearn? Using FutureLearn
Do you know someone who'd love this course? Tell them about it...
More courses you might like
Learners who joined this course have also enjoyed these courses.
