Why Does Sign Language Vary Across the World?

When we think of sign language, it’s easy to assume that it’s a universal method of communication. After all, wouldn’t hand gestures and facial expressions be consistent around the globe? Surprisingly, that’s far from the truth. Just like spoken languages, sign languages differ vastly from one country to another—and even within regions of the same country.

Why Are There So Many Sign Languages?

The diversity of sign languages is rooted in the same factors that shape spoken languages: culture, community, and history. Each Deaf community developed its own way of communicating based on the unique needs and social dynamics of their region. As a result, there are over 300 distinct sign languages worldwide.

One major reason for the variation is the cultural context in which each sign language developed. For instance:

 • American Sign Language (ASL) and British Sign Language (BSL) are entirely different, despite both being English-speaking countries.

 • Malaysian Sign Language (BIM) has its unique structure and vocabulary, which differs from neighboring countries like Indonesia.

 • In Japan, Japanese Sign Language (JSL) incorporates aspects of Japanese writing and culture, making it unique from Western sign languages.

Are Sign Languages Just Translations of Spoken Languages?

Absolutely not. Sign languages are fully-fledged, natural languages with their own grammar, syntax, and rules. They aren’t merely visual representations of spoken words. For example:

 • In ASL, the sentence structure follows a topic-comment format rather than the typical English subject-verb-object order.

 • JSL uses mouth movements that correspond with Japanese syllables, integrating aspects of Japanese culture directly into the language.

What Happens When Deaf People Travel?

Just as a French speaker might struggle in Japan, a Deaf Malaysian might find it challenging to communicate in Japan. While some basic signs like “eat” or “drink” might be similar due to their iconic nature, more complex concepts often differ drastically. In some cases, Deaf travelers resort to International Sign (IS), a simplified, visually intuitive form of sign language used at global Deaf events.

Can Sign Language Be Unified?

Many have wondered why we can’t just have one universal sign language. The reality is that sign languages, like spoken ones, are deeply tied to cultural identity. Forcing a single global standard would erase the rich diversity that makes each sign language unique. Moreover, some concepts and expressions are inherently cultural, making direct translation impractical.

The Beauty of Diversity

While it might seem inconvenient to have so many sign languages, it also highlights the creativity and resilience of the Deaf communities around the world. Each sign language tells a story of its community’s history and identity. Embracing this diversity means celebrating the way human connection evolves differently across cultures.

So, the next time you see someone signing, remember that they might be using a language as intricate and unique as any spoken one—one that reflects their culture, community, and personal journey.