Sign Language Around the World
There are over 200 different sign languages in the world. One of the most widely used sign languages, American Sign Language, or ASL, is used to varying degrees in some 20 different countries in as diverse places as Canada and the Philippines and is the third most used language in the United States after English and Spanish.
Some of the other more well known sign languages from around the world include the following:
- Auslan: Australian Sign Language. Auslan is similar to BSL, but is very
different from ASL.
- BSL: British Sign Language.
- LSF: Langues des Signes Francais (French Sign Language).
- JSL: Japanese Sign Language. Called Shuwa in the Japanese language, shu
meaning "hand" and wa meaning "language“.
- Gestuno: An invented sign language, made in an attempt to create a universal sign language. Although Gestuno is only used at a few international gatherings, the myth that all sign language is universal has risen, even though there are over 200 different sign languages worldwide.