24/09/2026
Different types of sign language and differing variations comes up a lot in our classes.
Here’s a few useful things to know. X
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So many people still have questions about Deafness and sign language. Let’s clear a few things up 👇
✔️ More than 300 sign languages exist worldwide
Every community creates its own language. Just like spoken languages, each sign language has its own grammar and culture.
✔️ Around 72 million Deaf people live across the globe
That’s a huge, diverse community contributing skills, culture and knowledge every single day.
✔️ Sign language is not universal
BSL and ASL, for example, are completely different languages, even though both countries speak English.
✔️ Not all Deaf people use sign language
Some rely on lipreading, speech, hearing aids or cochlear implants. The best thing you can do? Ask about someone’s preference.
✔️ Sign names are unique and personal
Instead of fingerspelling a name every time, a sign name is created to represent a person, often linked to their personality or a characteristic.
✔️ About 151,000 people in the UK use BSL
That includes Deaf people, family members, interpreters and others in the Deaf community.
✔️ Sign language uses more than hands
Facial expressions, body movement and space add meaning and grammar. It’s a complete, rich language.
✔️ Makaton is not the same as BSL
Makaton uses speech, symbols and signs to support communication, often for people with learning disabilities. BSL is a full language used by the Deaf community.
💬 Did you learn something new today?
