Article updated on January 4, 2025 by Byothe
Although it was only officially recognized as a language in its own right in 2005, sign language has existed for a very long time, probably since the first humans, even before oral languages... However, it was not until the 80s and the work of linguist William Stokoe that sign language took a more important place in our society.
Moreover, there is not "one" sign language, but "several" sign languages. Indeed, sign language is not necessarily the same everywhere in the world.
The website SpreadTheSign was designed as a dictionary of sign languages from around the world.
Administered by the association European Sign Language Center, this website brings together more than 400 signs from 000 sign languages.
The site has a search engine that will allow you to search for signs associated with words in the language of your choice. You will then have access to a short video showing you how to make the sign.
On the page you will also find associated words... for example "internet connection" or "chat" for the word "internet"... but also useful sentences like "My internet connection is slow" (well yes, there are things you shouldn't joke about anyway!)...
In addition, the site allows you to compare signs for the same word in different sign languages side by side... this allows you to realize that sign languages can be very different on certain words or only have slight differences on others.
Finally, the site offers a photo-based ABC of sign language, which can be a good starting point for beginners!
SpreadTheSign is a really cool project, with a somewhat austere look, but which offers many free educational tools for anyone who wants to learn sign language or improve their knowledge... especially in other sign languages!
