Is Sign Language Universal? Discover The Surprising Truth!
Posted on:
Many people believe that sign language is the same everywhere. After all, it’s all gestures, how different could it be?
But here’s the truth: sign language is not universal. Just like spoken languages, sign languages vary widely across the globe. There are more than 130 recognized sign languages, with hundreds of local variations.
Each of these languages has its grammar, vocabulary, and history. So, a person fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) won’t automatically understand someone using British Sign Language (BSL) even though both countries speak English.
Why So Many Sign Languages?
Sign languages developed naturally within Deaf communities. They didn’t come from spoken languages; they evolved on their own, shaped by culture, history, and the daily needs of the people who use them.
In every corner of the world, Deaf individuals have created their ways of communicating. Just like English differs from Chinese or Arabic, ASL, BSL, and other sign languages are completely distinct.
Let’s take a closer look.
Real Examples from Around the World
-
American Sign Language (ASL)
Used primarily in the United States and parts of Canada, ASL is one of the most widely used sign languages in the world. It’s a full language in every sense, complete with grammar rules, expressions, and a rich cultural background. ASL uses a one-handed alphabet and is closely related to French Sign Language (LSF), not BSL.
-
British Sign Language (BSL)
BSL is the main sign language used in the UK. Unlike ASL, BSL uses a two-handed alphabet and has completely different signs and structure. Even though ASL and BSL users both speak English, their sign languages are not mutually intelligible.
-
Japanese Sign Language (JSL)
Japan has its unique sign language, too. JSL incorporates elements of Japanese culture and language. It also includes regional dialects, much like spoken Japanese. A signer fluent in JSL would not be able to understand ASL or BSL without studying them first.
And these are just three examples. There’s also Indo-Pakistani Sign Language, Chinese Sign Language (CSL), and many more, each with its own identity.
Can Deaf People from Different Countries Understand Each Other?
In most cases, no. A Deaf person from Japan using JSL won’t be able to have a conversation with someone from the U.S. who uses ASL unless one of them has learned the other’s language.
While some international events use a system called International Sign, it’s not a true language. It’s a simplified blend of signs used to get basic ideas across, more like a temporary tool than a native language.
It’s often used at global gatherings like the Deaflympics or World Federation of the Deaf meetings. But it doesn’t replace local sign languages. And it’s far from universal.
Why Sign Languages Aren’t One-Size-Fits-All
Sign language is just as diverse as spoken language. The idea of a single, universal sign language sounds convenient, but it simply doesn’t exist. Each Deaf community has developed its language, shaped by local culture and history.
Understanding this distinction is essential, not just for those in the Deaf community, but for educators, travelers, and anyone curious about how humans communicate across borders.
Whether it’s ASL in North America, BSL in the UK, or JSL in Japan, sign languages reflect the uniqueness of the people who use them, and that diversity is something to be respected and celebrated.
That’s why learning about different sign languages isn’t just interesting, it’s important. It reminds us that communication goes far beyond words, shaped by the experiences and identities of people around the world.