[9급 지방직 영어 2010년 14번]

It is now clear, from the results of the first research studies of this subject, dating from the 1960s, that all of these opinions are wrong.

( A ) The first step in considering the nature of sign language is to eradicate traditional misconceptions about its structure and function. ( B ) Popular opinions about the matter are quite plain: sign language is not a real language but little more than a system of sophisticated gesturing; signs are simply pictorial representations of external reality; and because of this, there is just one sign language, which can be understood all over the world. ( C ) A clear distinction must be drawn, first of all, between sign language and gesture. To sign is to use the hands in a conscious, “verbal” manner to express the same range of meaning as would be achieved by speech. ( D )