Which languages does IOM Sign Language offer?

IOM offers American Sign Language (ASL)


Why are you only offering these America sign language?

Sign language is not universal; there are around 300 distinct sign languages worldwide. Even neighboring countries with the same spoken language may use different sign languages. We have chosen American Sign Language based on the positive experience from last year's cohort and its practical relevance for IOM's work


Will learning American Sign Language help me understand other sign languages used in English-speaking countries?

Not necessarily. While learning American Sign Language (ASL) can offer some advantages, especially in countries where local sign languages have been influenced by ASL, each country usually has its own unique sign language. These are shaped by local Deaf communities, cultures, and histories. For example, even though some English-speaking countries may have sign languages that show traces of ASL, they are not fully understandable to ASL users. In other words, they are not mutually intelligible.


Even when two sign languages have similar roots or shared origins, understanding between them can still be limited and varies from case to case. However, if two sign languages come from the same language family, it may be easier to learn one after knowing the other. ASL for instance, have both influenced many other sign languages around the world.


Where is American Sign Language (ASL) used?

ASL is commonly used or recognized in several countries, including the USA, English-speaking Canada, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Benin, Senegal, and Mauritania.