This is a ‘did you know’ question.

Question: How many forms of sign language are used worldwide?

Answer: At the present time there are probably around 300 different forms of sign language in use.

So, it’s important to specify which form of sign language you need. Sign languages are just like spoken languages in that they are recognised languages and are individually distinct.

As a UK language services provider (LSP), we usually receive requests for British Sign Language, but occasionally for American Sign Language or International Sign Language.

Occasionally we hear of examples that underline the need to be specific about the sign language that you need.

Here is an example showing playground signage that appeared on Twitter recently.

The example illustrated here appeared in a recent tweet posted by Elisa O’Donovan,  who is a Speech and Language Therapist at HSE Mid-West. Limerick Metropolitan Area 

What’s wrong with this?

Nothing at all –  if it was being used in the UK.

But it was intended for use in Ireland. It should be presented in Irish Sign Language (ISL), not British Sign Language (BSL).

BSL and ISL are completely separate languages, with separate histories and cultures. In fact, ISL is closer to French Sign language than to BSL!

We thought this was a good example of why treating sign language as if there is only one generic version can lead to communication problems.

Complicated?

Not really, but it’s worth keeping in mind that the availability of professionally qualified resources for sign languages can vary considerably.

Always discuss your sign language needs with your provider, tell them where and how you intend to use sign language – on an information board as in the example, using a live sign language presenter in a video, or for a meeting.