International Day of Sign Languages

Saturday, September 23 is International Day of Sign Languages (IDSL). IDSL is part of the International Week of Deaf People, opens a new window from the World Federation of the Deaf. This year's theme is "A World Where Deaf People Everywhere Can Sign Anywhere!" 

There is a common misconception that American Sign Language (ASL) is used throughout the world. This is false. There are over 70 million Deaf or Hard-of-hearing individuals around the world that use some type of sign language, which is estimated to be about 200 different sign languages throughout the world. There are some signs that may be similar, but each sign language is unique and beautiful.

Check out the following links to see how American Sign Language (ASL) looks to those around the world!  


ASL vs. Brazilian Sign: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsLKkumsONg  

ASL vs. South African Sign Language: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fGXrorf4f8  

ASL vs. German Sign Language: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ye_TO_RADi4  

ASL vs. Chinese Sign Language: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSxYv-3EMCc  

ASL vs. Polish Sign Language: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-nSCzVE8NM  

ASL vs. Turkish Sign Language: ABC’s--https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MzMloMKXp5Y  

ASL vs. French Sign Language: ABC’s--https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QPmDdTcX6I  

HAPPY SIGNING!