Is "The Tribe" in real sign language?

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There isn't a single spoken word in The Tribe and all characters communicate in what appears to be a sign language whose authenticity I wasn't able to verify. At first, I was expecting there would be subtitles because, if gestures used were indeed a real sign language, not having them would assume two levels of viewership: those who can understand it and those who can't. That doesn't really seem likely to me. Then I started wondering if the gestures were some fake sign language that no one can really understand and it was like that by design: there is no understandable language used in the movie to move the viewer from a focus on verbal understanding to a focus on gestures and body language.

Is the movie in real sign language? If yes, why was there no subtitles so that those who don't understand it are at par with those who do?



Best Answer

From IMDb's trivia page for the movie:

The actors communicate in Ukranian sign language - anecdotally, users of western European sign languages may understand about 20% of it.

Director Miroslav Slaboshpitsky does not understand sign language and had to have interpreters on set to communicate and make sure that the actors were sticking to the script.

As for the lack of subtitles, it was intentional. Says the film's director:

“I am very glad that my film will be released in the United States,” Slaboshpitsky said. “I have always believed in the universality of film’s language, and have always believed that dialogue and subtitles change the way different audiences perceive the film in different countries.”




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What is the only true sign language?

American Sign Language: "true" The sign for "true" is made by placing the dominant index finger against your lips. If you are right-handed, your palm should face left. Move your finger forward several inches using a quick motion.

What is the universal sign for sign language?

There is no universal sign language. Different sign languages are used in different countries or regions. For example, British Sign Language (BSL) is a different language from ASL, and Americans who know ASL may not understand BSL. Some countries adopt features of ASL in their sign languages.

What is B * * * * in sign language?

The thumb/index finger side of a b-handshape struck against the chin means "bitch" (contact point is the side of the index finger). "Bastard" can be produced by doing the same sign but locating it on the forehead.

Does every word exist in sign language?

Signing Savvy, Your Sign Language Resource Answer: There is not a sign for every word in the English dictionary.



Film – The Tribe (2014) Genre – Crime Drama Language – Ukrainian Sign Language




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