A common misconception is that if you learn one sign language, you know all of them. The thing is, this mindset isn’t found in spoken or written languages; no one has ever told me that by learning… lets say… Scottish Gaelic, that I would be able to talk to someone in… lets also say… rural Uzbekistan. Whilst sign language families are separate to spoken languages, they do follow the same principle; diversity in languages should be celebrated!
I also like pointing out that in the UK, there is a lot of local pride in what term you use to describe a small single-portion size of bread– bap, roll, bun, cob… BSL has just as much variation! These are known as “Regional Signs” and are easily demonstrated by the different signs for numbers and colours [external link]
I find it absolutely fascinating, and I want to extend the joy of learning about sign languages across the world with you too 🙂
I do not know how frequently the entries of the websites below are updated, so be cautious when contacting a specific organisation; double check if they are still active.
World Federation of the Deaf (WFD)
An international organisation advocates for the legal protection of Deaf people and promoting human rights and sign languages worldwide
Spread the Sign
An online dictionary wherein each word will have multiple sign language options to choose from. For example, you can see how to sign “Hello!” in British Sign Language, American Sign Language, Estonian Sign Language…
I recommend if you are interested in learning sign language outside of BSL to seek out specific courses or teaching material, including online dictionaries. These will be more accurate and appropriate for your learning; Spread the Sign is better at demonstrating the differences between languages than a true translation tool.
Gallaudet’s International “Local Deaf and Disability Organisations and Schools” list
A thorough resource of organisations including national associations and federations of the Deaf of all countries, listed alphabetically.
African Sign Language Resource Centre
A thorough resource for many sign languages used in Africa, listed by country; will give a brief history of Deaf education and rights in the country/area where the sign language is the predominant Deaf language. Where applicable, they also list Deaf organisations within the country
This resource is above and beyond what I am capable of doing at this time. Also, realistically, I would simply be rewording their content (unintentionally!) and linking to the same websites they have listed.
Please use the above resource as it is fantastic website and support the African Deaf community.
Wikipedia
If you are looking to start research on any particular sign language, or Deaf culture, or anything related to these topics, Wikipedia is quite useful as a starting point! Of course, also search for individual sign languages and Deaf associations / federations of the countries you are particularly interested in to get the most accurate information.
BSL Learning Resources 