Sign Language

Sign language is a real language that people make with their hands. It also uses face looks and body moves. Many deaf people use it to chat every day. Hearing people can learn it too. There are many kinds of sign language around the world.

How It Works

Each sign stands for a word or idea. You shape your hands in different ways. You move them in the air near your body. Your face shows feelings, like a question or a smile. All of these parts work together to make meaning.

An early book that taught people how to sign.
An early book that taught people how to sign. (Francisco Abarca de Angulo (impresor). Diego de Astor (grabador). / Wikimedia Commons)

Many Sign Languages

There is not just one sign language. American Sign Language is called ASL. British Sign Language is called BSL. They are not the same, even though both countries speak English. Every country often has its own sign language with its own rules.

Fun Facts

  • You can spell any word by using hand shapes for each letter. This is called fingerspelling.
  • Babies can learn simple signs before they can talk with words.
  • Sign language is not just slow speech with hands. It has its own grammar and word order.

Did You Know?

Some schools and parks teach sign language so deaf and hearing kids can play and learn together.