Spanish Sign Language (SSL)

Spanish Sign Language is a sign language that I really didn’t know anything about until now. I really wish there was a class that touched on international signed languages, such as this one, while I was studying Deaf Studies.

SSL is the sign language used in Spain. Just like how Spanish is completely different from English, SSL is completely different from ASL.

SSL is the same across Spain, except for Catalonia and Valencia, which have their own signed languages (Catalan Sign Language and Valencian Sign Language).

SSL was influenced by American, Mexican, and French signed languages. And SSL itself influenced Venezuelan Sign Language.

If you are interested in learning some SSL, we recommend these free resources (you probably need to understand Spanish to use them):

• Biblioteca de Signos (Library of Signs)
• The Spanish Manual Alphabet
• Diccionario De Lengua De Senas Argentina (SSL Dictionary)

Even though you’re having fun with SSL, don’t forget to learn ASL too!