Semantic Grounding

A design principle in which practice or interaction is accompanied by explanations that connect the form of an action to its underlying meaning, rather than treating the action as an arbitrary symbol to memorise. In sign language learning, semantic grounding pairs a sign with its iconic or metaphorical motivation - for example, presenting the sign for 'baby' alongside an illustration of cradling a baby. Semantic grounding supports conceptual understanding alongside motor execution and helps prevent 'blind imitation,' in which learners reproduce a gesture without understanding why it takes that particular form.