Can sign language be translated?

Talking about languages without including sign language would be an incomplete analysis, without a doubt. This incredible system of gestures and movements has given a voice to those who cannot speak. It has also been a groundbreaking revolution for a global community that, until its invention, lived in total isolation. Today, millions of people use sign language as their primary communication system.

However, even though we often see it in the lower corners of TV programs or in everyday situations, most people know very little about it. For example, many are unaware that there are different types of hearing and speech impairments. Additionally, only a few know that this language is not universal.

And that’s precisely what we’ll discuss today: the differences in signs depending on the spoken language. We’ll also explore how “accents” and idioms exist within sign language.

But before we dive in, let’s refresh our knowledge a little…

What is sign language and how do people understand it?

If you have hearing loss or any type of communication disorder, you’re probably familiar with this system of gestures. Likewise, if you’ve lived with someone who has dysarthria, hearing impairment, or a speech disability, you already know what this system is. But if you’ve never been exposed to it, today you’re going to learn a lot about it.

In very simple terms, sign language is a visual and kinetic communication system. What does this mean? That communication relies on hand gestures, movements, and facial expressions.

To understand it, the recipient must be able to see and interpret these gestures and movements. It’s a much more complex language than people often assume, due to its unique structure and way of forming words. Let’s explore some of its key features.

How is sign language structured?

Unlike spoken language—and although it may seem obvious—this language does not rely on sound. Instead, it is built on a structured system of grammatically organized signs. Contrary to what some might think, it’s not a random collection of gestures, but rather a complete linguistic system with its own grammar, syntax, and rules.

Sign language primarily consists of:

• Hand and finger movements: Each sign has a specific shape and motion that must be performed correctly.
• Facial and body expressions: These complement the meaning of the signs and convey emotions.
• Visual and spatial structure: Spatial references are used to indicate relationships between objects and people.

Because of this, learning and interpreting sign language requires progressive training. Deaf individuals can communicate in various ways, both within the Deaf community and with the rest of society—especially those who have learned to sign.

This brings us to an important question: What types of sign language exist today?

The four types of sign language today

Not all deaf individuals use sign language, and not everyone who learns it has a hearing impairment. This is mainly because many people with hearing disabilities haven’t been taught sign language. At the same time, therapists, interpreters, and family members often learn it to establish a communication bond.

In addition to the different “languages” of the system of gestures, which we’ll discuss later, there are four primary types of sign communication:

Conventional sign language

This is the standard form of sign communication taught to promote cognitive and communicative development in people with hearing disabilities.

Bimodal communication

Some deaf individuals use both sign communication and a spoken/written language. The use of this method depends on the degree of hearing impairment.

Finger spelling (manual alphabet)

The manual alphabet allows words to be spelled out letter by letter. It is a more basic form of communication and serves as support within more complex sign structures.

Use of technology and devices

Today, various technological tools facilitate communication. These innovations have significantly accelerated the learning process for sign communication.

Who uses sign language?

As we mentioned earlier, sign language is not strictly limited to hearing or speech impairments. Many people in the environment of someone with these disabilities have learned these specialized signs, not only as a way to communicate with their loved ones but also as a means of fostering real inclusivity.

Fortunately, the world is evolving for people with these types of disabilities. The difference is clear when comparing today with just a few decades ago. Nowadays, hearing impairments do not prevent individuals from enjoying many aspects of life, such as watching TV shows, movies, or even attending a theater performance.

Today, people with different types of hearing or speech impairments are becoming more integrated than ever, largely thanks to:

Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals

As expected, people with hearing impairments are the primary users of sign communication. They rely on it as their main (and often only) form of communication. For them, sign language is their native language, used in daily life, education, and social interactions.

Family and friends of people with disabilities

Many hearing individuals learn these signs to communicate with their relatives or friends who have hearing or speech impairments. This promotes inclusion and strengthens personal relationships.

Sign language interpreters

Sign language interpreters are professionals who bridge communication gaps between individuals in different settings. They play a crucial role in education, public services, legal matters, workplaces, and social interactions. These professionals are highly valued and must have an advanced mastery of sign communication.

Educators and speech therapists

Teachers working with deaf or speech-impaired children must learn sign communication to support their students’ development. Similarly, speech therapists use it as a fundamental teaching tool to enhance communication skills for individuals with speech or hearing impairments.

Hearing individuals interested in inclusion

More and more hearing people are learning sign communication to promote social inclusion and accessibility. Many countries now offer courses and training programs to encourage its use in various professional and social settings.

If you’re interested, you should know that sign communication interpreting is currently one of the most in-demand career fields!

Now that we’ve explored the key aspects and uses of sign language, it’s time to discover something that might surprise you…

Did you know there are different types of sign communication?

Earlier, we discussed the various ways people with hearing or speech impairments can communicate. However, a little-known fact is that sign language is not universal. In other words, each linguistic region has its own distinct sign communication.

You might be wondering: Why are there different languages if deaf individuals don’t use spoken words? This is one of the biggest misconceptions about the deaf community.

Deaf individuals are not disconnected from the world, nor do they lack a need for language. Just like hearing individuals, they navigate their daily lives within their own linguistic and cultural regions. As a result, they require a sign language that aligns with the spoken language used in their society.

This was a major breakthrough in the inclusivity of sign communication, and like many other accessibility advancements, it only became widely recognized in recent decades. Today, there are dozens of sign languages around the world. Let’s explore some of the most widely used ones.

French sign language (LSF)

We can confidently say that Langue des Signes Française (LSF) is the pioneer of modern sign communication. LSF holds significant historical importance, as it served as the foundation for many signs structures worldwide—including American Sign Language (ASL) and even Chinese Sign Language. Additionally, it is the basis for International Sign Language.

Key features of LSF:

• Use of both iconic and abstract signs
• Flexible syntax, with an emphasis on spatial organization

American sign language (ASL)

American Sign Language (ASL) is one of the most widely recognized and used sign communication globally. Originating in the 19th century, it was heavily influenced by French system (LSF).

Key features of ASL:

• A visual-spatial grammar distinct from spoken English
• Extensive use of facial expressions to convey meaning
• Use of classifiers to describe sizes, shapes, and movement of objects or people

Although primarily used in the United States and Canada, ASL is also used in parts of Africa and Southeast Asia. Largely due to the influence of American deaf educators and missionaries.

Spanish sign language (LSE)

Spanish Sign Language (LSE) is the primary sign communication system used by the deaf community in Spain. It is officially recognized in several autonomous communities and has its own unique features, such as:

• Flexible word order, though typically Subject-Verb-Object (SVO)
• Use of classifiers and spatial references to describe objects and situations
• Time markers indicated by sign placement in space

While there are regional variations within LSE, they remain mutually intelligible. However, LSE is not the only sign communication used in Spanish-speaking countries—let’s explore more.

Mexican sign language (LSM)

Mexican Sign Language (LSM) is widely used in Mexico, and it shares more similarities with ASL than with Spanish Sign Language (LSE). This is because Mexico’s deaf education system was heavily influenced by the United States.

Key features of LSM:

• Influence of spoken Spanish in proper names and certain terms
• Extensive use of facial and body expressions to modify sign meanings
• A Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) grammatical structure similar to Spanish

British sign language (BSL)

British Sign Language (BSL) is completely different from ASL, even though both the U.K. and U.S. share English as their spoken language.

Key features of BSL:

• Two-handed signs, whereas ASL mostly uses one hand
• Unique grammar and sentence structure, distinct from spoken English
• Facial expressions and body movements that enhance meaning

Argentine sign language (LSA)

In Argentina, Argentine Sign Language (LSA) has developed with its own distinct linguistic structure.

Key features of LSA:

• A grammar system independent of spoken Spanish
• Heavy reliance on facial expressions to convey emotion and intensity
• Use of classifiers and spatial references similar to other sign languages

International sign language (IS)

Unlike other sign communication systems, International Sign (IS) is not a native language of any specific deaf community. Instead, it was developed to facilitate communication among signs users from different countries—particularly in international events.

Key features of IS:

• Highly visual and iconic signs that are easy to understand
• A simplified grammar compared to other sign languages
• Adaptability, allowing users to incorporate signs from their native languages

After exploring the diverse world of sign communication, a common question arises: Is there a way to translate between different sign languages?

Let’s find out!

Can different sign communication systems be translated?

Yes, they can! Just like spoken languages, each sign communication has unique characteristics that make it distinct. This means that when two deaf individuals from different linguistic regions meet, a translator is often required.

This is a highly specialized field within sign language interpretation, but it is also increasingly in demand today.

A sign language translator must convey messages accurately using three main techniques:

• Transliteration: This involves converting signs from one sign communication to another, especially when there is no exact equivalent between the two languages.
• Interpretation: The translator interprets the message from the source language and delivers it in the target language. This is commonly used for real-time communication.
• Visual translation: This method relies on images or graphics to convey meaning, particularly when dealing with complex messages or when information needs to be presented visually.

Can technology help deaf individuals communicate autonomously?

The latest technological advancements now allow for real-time translations without human interpreters. For example:

• Talkao translation apps enable seamless communication in over 125 languages using just a smartphone. With tools like Talkao Translate, users can have real-time conversations effortlessly.
• Camera-based translation tools can instantly read and interpret text in any alphabet, making printed content accessible to all.

However, one of the most promising innovations in this field is augmented reality (AR) translation. AR-powered apps can instantly interpret images, text, and conversations, converting them into a user’s native language.

Artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and customized avatars are rapidly evolving, bringing us closer to automated signs translation.

We are not far from a future where sign communication interpretation is fully automated, making global communication more inclusive than ever.Experts in translation software and applications are working tirelessly to break language barriers, and soon, we could have these tools at our fingertips.

Published Fri, 21 March 2025