Refers to sign language as a full linguistic system, often used in academic or advocacy contexts to emphasize its status as a natural language.
Sign language has complex grammar just like spoken languages.
There are growing calls for the enactment of a Japanese Sign Language law.
手話 is the common term for 'sign language' in everyday use, while 手話言語 is a more formal term that explicitly frames sign language as a full linguistic system.
Compound of 手話 (shuwa, 'sign language') and 言語 (gengo, 'language'), emphasizing sign language as a complete linguistic system.