What we do

SIL's Global Sign Languages Team seeks to build capacity in Deaf communities around the world for the implementation of their language development goals by helping to provide networking opportunities for Deaf organizations and through innovative strategies in: 

  • Training for using ELAN with sign languagesProvision of technical services - consultant assistance for sign language translators, advice in publishing and software tools development;
  • Training in sign language linguistics, sign language translation, publishing tools like Bloom and principles of multilingual Deaf education (MLDE); and
  • Research on the world’s sign languages and the comprehension of texts related to language deprivation syndrome.

Four considerations shape SIL’s involvement: 

  • Sign languages have developed separately from spoken languages, and are unique languages in their own right.
  • Deaf communities form unique people groups with their own cultures, distinct from surrounding majority hearing cultures.
  • The most effective, sustainable language development efforts in sign languages are those initiated and led by local Deaf communities.
  • Sign languages require approaches and technology that are different from spoken language development strategies.