List of sign languages by number of native signers facts for kids
Sign languages are amazing ways for people to communicate using their hands, body, and facial expressions instead of spoken words. They are especially important for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Just like there are many different spoken languages around the world, there are also many different sign languages!
It's actually quite hard to know exactly how many people use each sign language. This is because it's tough to count everyone who signs, and sometimes people use different versions of a sign language. For example, in Ethiopia, it was once thought there were a million signers. But it turns out there are fewer deaf people, and not all of them use sign language fluently. Plus, they might even use several different sign languages!
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What is Sign Language?
Sign language is a complete language with its own grammar and rules, just like English or Spanish. It's not just pointing or acting things out. People who use sign language communicate ideas, feelings, and information by making specific shapes and movements with their hands, arms, and body. They also use their faces to show emotion and add meaning.
Sign Languages Around the World
Many different sign languages are used all over the globe. Each one has developed in its own way, often within deaf communities in different countries. Some sign languages are even related to each other, meaning they share some history or signs, similar to how some spoken languages come from the same "family."
Top Sign Languages by Users
Here's a list of some of the sign languages used by many people. The numbers are estimates, so they might not be exact, but they give us an idea of how many people use these languages.
| Language | Family or origin | Where it's used and recognized | Estimated users |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indo-Pakistani Sign Language | Related to Nepalese Sign Language and others in South Asia | Used in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh | 6,300,000 (2019) |
| Chinese Sign Language | An independent language family | Legally recognized by China | 4,000,000 (2021) |
| Indonesian Sign Language | Based on the French Sign Language family | Used in Indonesia | 900,000 (2016) |
| Russian Sign Language | French Sign Language family | Used in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Bulgaria, Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania | 715,000 (2014) |
| Brazilian Sign Language | French Sign Language family | Legally recognized in Brazil since 2002 | 600,000 (2019) |
| Spanish Sign Language | Possibly French Sign Language family or a unique language | Officially recognized by the Spanish Government. Used in Spain (except Catalonia and Valencia) | 523,000 (2017) |
| Egyptian Sign Language | Arab sign-language family | Used in Egypt | 474,000 (2014) |
| American Sign Language | From Old French Sign Language and Martha's Vineyard Sign Language | Used in the United States and English-speaking Canada | 459,850 |
| Persian Sign Language | A unique language | Used in Iran | 325,000 (2019) |
| Turkish Sign Language | From Ottoman Sign Language | Used in Turkey | 300,000 (2019) |
| Japanese Sign Language | JSL Family | Used in Japan | 126,000 (2019) |
| Mexican Sign Language | French Sign Language family | Used in urban Mexico | 130,000 (2010 projection) |
| French Sign Language | French Sign Language family. Descended from Old French Sign Language | Used in France. Also in Switzerland, Mali, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Togo, Vietnam | 100,000 (2019) |
| German Sign Language | German Sign Language family | Used in Germany | 80,000 (2014) |
| British Sign Language | BANZSL | Used in the United Kingdom | 80,000 (2014) |
| Malaysian Sign Language | French: ASL | Used in Malaysia | 60,000 (2013) |
| Polish Sign Language | German Sign Language family | Used in Poland | 38,000 to 50,000 (2014) |
| Italian Sign Language | French Sign Language family | Officially recognized in Sicily. Used in Italy | 40,000 (2014) |
| New Zealand Sign Language | BANZSL | An official language of New Zealand since 2006 | 23,000 (2018 census) |
| Yugoslav Sign Language | French: Austro-Hungarian | Used in Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Slovenia | 22,000 (2010-2014) |
| Uruguayan Sign Language | French Sign Language family | Legally recognized in Uruguay since 2001 | 20,000 (2019) |
| Hong Kong Sign Language | Chinese | Used in Hong Kong | 20,000 (2007) |
| Dutch Sign Language | French | Used in Netherlands | 15,000 (2019) |
| Auslan | BANZSL | Used in Australia | 10,000 (2016 census) |
Why Estimates Are Tricky
Counting how many people use a sign language is difficult for a few reasons.
- Not everyone who is deaf uses sign language.
- Some people might use a sign language but not be fluent in it.
- There can be different versions or dialects of the same sign language.
- It's hard to reach everyone who signs for surveys.
Why Sign Language Matters
Sign languages are very important because they allow deaf people to communicate fully and easily. They help deaf people:
- Learn and get an education.
- Connect with family and friends.
- Participate in their communities.
- Share their culture and experiences.
Recognizing and supporting sign languages helps make the world more inclusive for everyone.
See also
- List of sign languages
- List of languages by number of native speakers
