Sign languages, much like spoken languages, vary widely across different regions and cultures.
Many people assume there is a single universal sign language. But, the reality is that hundreds of distinct sign languages exist worldwide.
From American Sign Language (ASL) to British Sign Language (BSL) and Japanese Sign Language (JSL), each has its own grammar, structure, and cultural influences.
These languages are not simply visual representations of spoken languages. They are rather independent linguistic systems with their own rules and cultural influences.
In this article, we'll go through different sign languages, highlighting their unique characteristics, origins, and the ways they evolve.
Whether you are new to sign language, an advocate for Deaf culture, or simply curious about linguistic diversity, this guide will tell you everything you need to know.
How Many Different Sign Languages Exist?
You might ask yourself, "Are there different sign languages?" or "Is sign language the same for all languages?"
The idea that there is a single, universal sign language is a common misconception.
There are actually more than 300 different sign languages used around the world.
These sign languages have emerged naturally within Deaf communities. They were influenced by local cultures, spoken languages, and historical events.
The exact number of sign languages is difficult to determine.
That's the case because new ones continue to emerge. Others evolve or become extinct over time.
Some of the most widely used sign languages include:
- American Sign Language (ASL)
- British Sign Language (BSL)
- French Sign Language (LSF)
- Chinese Sign Language (CSL)
- Indo-Pakistani Sign Language (IPSL)
- Brazilian Sign Language (Libras)
- Australian Sign Language (Auslan)
- Japanese Sign Language (JSL)
- Russian Sign Language (RSL)
- German Sign Language (DGS)
- Italian Sign Language (LIS)
- Indian Sign Language
These languages play a key role in preserving cultural identity and communication for Deaf individuals worldwide.
What Are the Different Types of Sign Language?
Sign languages can be categorized in various ways. These groups may be based on their origins, structure, and usage.
While each sign language is unique, they generally fall into a few broad categories:
- National Sign Languages
These are the primary sign languages used within a specific country or region.
Some examples include American Sign Language (ASL), British Sign Language (BSL), French Sign Language (LSF), Chinese Sign Language (CSL), and so on.
Each sign language has its own unique grammar, vocabulary, and syntax. They are independent of the spoken language in that region.
- Sign Language Families
Just like spoken languages, sign languages can be grouped into language families.
For example, ASL, LSF, and many other languages belong to the French Sign Language family. This means that they share historical influences and similarities.
- Indigenous and Village Sign Languages
Some small communities develop their own sign languages. This often happens due to a high occurrence of Deaf individuals in one place.
These languages are typically passed down through generations. However, they may not be widely known outside the community.
- Home-Sign Systems
Home-sign systems are unique, gesture-based communication methods. They're developed within individual families.
Home-sign systems are usually used when a Deaf person, often a child, grows up in hearing households where no one uses an established sign language.
They aren't full languages in the linguistic sense. They usually consist of personalized signs and gestures that allow basic communication.
- International Sign (IS)
International Sign is a pidgin-like system used for global communication, particularly at international Deaf events.
It's not a fully developed sign language. It rather borrows elements from various sign languages.
The goal is to facilitate cross-cultural understanding.
Sign Language Families
Just like spoken languages, sign languages can be grouped into language families, which include:
- French Sign Language Family
One of the most influential sign language families is the French Sign Language (LSF) family.
It includes:
- American Sign Language (ASL)
- Irish Sign Language (ISL)
- Quebec Sign Language (LSQ)
ASL, for example, evolved from LSF. It was introduced to the US in the early 19th century by French educator Laurent Clerc.
Many sign languages in Europe and the Americas have been influenced by LSF.
- British Sign Language Family
Unlike ASL, British Sign Language (BSL) developed independently. It has little in common with French-based sign languages.
This family also includes Australian Sign Language (Auslan) and New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL).
Both of them share significant linguistic similarities. They're collectively referred to as BANZSL.
- German Sign Language Family
The German Sign Language (DGS) family includes sign languages such as Austrian Sign Language (ÖGS) and Swiss-German Sign Language (DSGS).
These languages have a shared linguistic history but have also developed distinct regional characteristics over time.
- Japanese Sign Language Family
Japanese Sign Language (JSL) forms its own language family, along with its regional variations.
JSL differs significantly from Western sign languages.
It incorporates elements of mouthing and written kanji characters in finger-based signs. Thus, it reflects Japan's unique linguistic and cultural influences.
- Other Independent Sign Languages
Some sign languages do not belong to a specific family or have unclear origins.
For example, Indo-Pakistani Sign Language (IPSL) and Turkish Sign Language (TİD) have developed independently.
However, they may have borrowed signs from other languages over time.
American Sign Language (ASL) vs. British Sign Language (BSL)
American Sign Language (ASL) and British Sign Language (BSL) are used in English-speaking countries.
However, they are completely different sign languages. They have unique grammar, vocabulary, and signs.
Here are some aspects in which they differ:
- Origins and influences
- Fingerspelling systems
- Grammar and sentence structure
- Vocabulary differences
ASL developed in the early 19th century. It was influenced heavily by French Sign Language (LSF).
BSL evolved separately in Britain and has no connection to LSF. Instead, it developed naturally among Deaf communities in the UK.
ASL uses a one-handed fingerspelling alphabet.
BSL, on the other hand, uses a two-handed fingerspelling system. It's visually distinct and requires both hands to form letters.
ASL follows a topic-comment structure.
The topic is introduced first, followed by the comment or action. For example, you would sign "Car – I buy" instead of "I bought a car."
In some cases, ASL involves the use of the subject-verb-object structure.
BSL uses a subject-object-verb (SOV) structure, which differs from both ASL and English grammar.
For example, you would sign "I car bought" rather than "I bought a car."
ASL and BSL also use completely different signs for common words.
For example, the ASL sign for "thank you" involves touching the chin and moving the hand outward.
In BSL, "thank you" is signed with both hands moving forward from the chest.
Explore the Features of American Sign Language
American Sign Language (ASL) is a rich, visual language with its own unique grammar, structure, and expressive techniques.
Below are some of its interesting features:
- The topic-comment structure
- One-handed fingerspelling alphabet
- Use of facial expressions and non-manual markers
- Classifiers for descriptive signing
- Directional verbs
- Regional dialects and variations
- Space to show meaning
ASL often follows a topic-comment structure. The main idea is introduced first, followed by other details.
For example, instead of saying, "I am going to the store," an ASL signer might sign, "Store—me go."
ASL uses a one-handed fingerspelling system to spell out proper nouns, names, and unfamiliar words.
This is different from British Sign Language (BSL), which uses a two-handed alphabet.
Facial expressions, head movements, and body posture play a crucial role in ASL grammar.
These non-manual markers help indicate:
- Questions (raising eyebrows for yes/no questions, furrowing brows for wh-questions)
- Tone and emotion (facial expressions add emphasis and context)
- Negation (shaking the head while signing to indicate "not" or disagreement)
- Distance, size, and many more grammatical features!
ASL uses classifiers. They're specific handshapes used to describe objects, movements, and spatial relationships.
Certain ASL verbs are directional, meaning they change movement to show who is performing the action and who is receiving it.
For example, the sign for "give" moves from the giver to the receiver. This eliminates the need for extra words like "to" or "for."
Just like spoken languages, ASL has dialects and regional variations. Some signs may differ depending on geographic location, age group, or cultural background.
ASL takes advantage of the three-dimensional signing space around the body.
Signers use space to indicate different locations, timelines, and relationships between people or objects.
This is known as spatial referencing.
Is Sign Language the Same in Every Language?
Sign language is diverse, with over 300 different sign languages used worldwide.
Each sign language has its own grammar, structure, and cultural influences. This makes sign languages as unique and varied as spoken languages.
From the widely used American Sign Language (ASL) and British Sign Language (BSL) to regional and indigenous sign languages, these visual languages are essential for Deaf communities around the world.
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