Sign Languages

Yuki Yamada

Global Sign Languages Team Director

7500 W Camp Wisdom Rd., Dallas, TX 75236

Sign language training
SIL is working alongside 40+ sign language communities globally.

SIL partners with local, regional and global organizations to help build capacity in sign language communities for the pursuit of their language development and Scripture translation goals.

SIL supports Deaf and Deafblind communities around the world by partnering with them to strengthen local capacity for sign language Bible translation and broader language development through technical services, training, and research. The SIL Global Sign Languages Team provides consultant support for translation, develops tools and publishing solutions, offers training in linguistics and multilingual Deaf education, and advances research on sign languages and language deprivation.

58
years SIL has been working IN SIGNED LANGUAGES
52
communities SIL is currently working with globally
160
documented sign languages

Why Sign Languages Matter

Sign languages are full, natural languages that are seen rather than heard. They are not simply a visual form of spoken language but distinct languages used by Deaf communities around the world for communication, identity, and connection. Yet many Deaf people still lack access to education, information, and Scripture in their own sign language.

In many contexts, Deaf children grow up without early exposure to an accessible language, limiting their ability to learn and participate fully in society. Strengthening sign language and community development as well as increasing access to sign language resources supports Deaf communities in using their own languages for learning, communication, and engagement with Scripture.

Guiding Principles

Four considerations that shape SIL’s involvement in sign languages:

Distinct langUAGES in their own right

Sign languages have developed independently from spoken languages and are full, natural languages of their own.

Unique Deaf communities and cultures

Deaf communities are unique people groups with their own cultures and norms, distinct from surrounding majority hearing cultures.

Deaf-led work is most sustainable

The most effective and lasting sign language development happens when initiatives are started, owned, and led by local Deaf communities.

Different strategies and tools are needed

Sign languages require approaches, methods, and technology that are specifically designed for visual languages, not just adapted from spoken-language work.

Stories & News from Sign Languages

  • Stories

    Building Interactive Sign Language Books

    Deaf teachers learn gamification skills to design engaging, educational books for Deaf students. In December 2023, Deaf teachers from Colombia,…

    October 21, 2024

    Americas

  • Stories

    Hidden in Their Hearts

    When you think about Bible translation, most likely your first mental image is of words on a page, or text…

    September 23, 2024

  • Stories

    SIL’s First DeafBlind Workshop

    Imagine you are Deaf. Your whole world is focused on seeing. Your eyes are the way you learn language. Now…

    March 26, 2024

    Burundi

View all sign languages Stories & News

Make a Difference

Support Global Sign Languages

Your support helps Deaf communities strengthen their own sign languages, expand access to education and Scripture, and build sustainable, Deaf-led language development.

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