List of Most Popular Sign Languages in the World
Sign languages empower over 24 million first-language users globally, fostering inclusion for deaf and hard-of-hearing communities. With more than 160 living sign languages, this article highlights the most widely used in 2025. As we mark the International Day of Sign Languages, we reaffirm the need for equal language rights worldwide.
Every year, on September 23, the world celebrates the International Day of Sign Languages. This day is devoted to raising awareness of the value of sign language as an essential human right for the world’s deaf and for those who belong to hard-of-hearing communities. In today’s era, sign language is used by more than ten million people worldwide. As per the Ethnologue, there are more than 160 living sign languages with the ISO-639-3 codes that represent the 24 million first language speakers (L1).
In 2017, the UN General Assembly adopted the “International Day of Sign Languages” by passing the resolution A/RES/72/16 to recognise September 23. Since then, the event has been celebrated every year. The theme for the International Day of Sign Languages in 2025 is “No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights”, which focuses on the global landscape of sign languages.
In this article, we will see which are the most used sign languages in 2025.
List of Most Popular Sign Languages in the World
| ISO_639 | Language Name | Country Name | Area | L1 Users |
| 1 ins | Indian Sign Language | India | Asia | 6,815,000 |
| 2 csl | Chinese Sign Language | China | Asia | 4,200,000 |
| 3 pks | Pakistan Sign Language | Pakistan | Asia | 1,080,000 |
| 4 rsl | Russian Sign Language | Russian Federation | Europe | 909,000 |
| 5 ase | American Sign Language | United States | Americas | 858,260 |
| 6 inl | Indonesian Sign Language | Indonesia | Asia | 810,000 |
| 7 nsi | Nigerian Sign Language | Nigeria | Africa | 800,000 |
| 8 bzs | Brazilian Sign Language | Brazil | Americas | 630,000 |
| 9 eth | Ethiopian Sign Language | Ethiopia | Africa | 560,000 |
| 10 psp | Filipino Sign Language | Philippines | Asia | 540,000 |
Data Source:
https://insight.derivation.co/
https://intelligence.derivation.co/
Conclusion
Sign Language is a vital bridge for millions of users worldwide for making communication and inclusion for deaf and hard-of-hearing communities.With over 160 living sign languages, their recognition strengthens human rights and cultural identity. Celebrating International Day of Sign Languages reminds us that true equality is impossible without sign language rights.
Prabhat Mishra is a Subject Matter Expert and digital journalist with an extensive background in the competitive exam landscape and over 4 years of experience in education, national and international news, and current affairs. Over his tenure with top knowledge platforms like Mentorship India, IAS BABA, IAS SARTHI, and now Jagran Josh, he has a deep understanding of government exams like UPSC and State PCS, including UP and Bihar, as he has already qualified for the UPPCS 2022 Mains and Bihar 68th Mains. With his core expertise in history, polity, geography & current affairs, he specialises in creating well-researched, aspirant-centric content and simplifying complex topics for competitive examinations.
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