Dabgi

Dabgi refers to a traditional form of South Korean hand-gesture communication. It is a non-verbal language primarily used by deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals in Korea. Dabgi employs a system of hand shapes, movements, and facial expressions to convey meaning. While it shares some similarities with other sign languages, it possesses its own unique vocabulary and grammatical structure.

The practice of dabgi has a long history, predating the widespread adoption of formal sign language education in Korea. It often developed organically within communities of deaf individuals, allowing for communication and cultural transmission. While modern Korean Sign Language (KSL) is now the standardized and widely taught sign language in South Korea, dabgi continues to be understood and used by some older members of the deaf community.

The gestures in dabgi can be highly expressive and nuanced, often incorporating elements that mimic the visual characteristics of the objects or actions they represent. Understanding dabgi requires familiarity with its specific signs and the cultural context in which it is used. Efforts are being made to document and preserve dabgi, recognizing its historical and cultural significance as a part of Korean deaf heritage.