Archive · 3 Sep 2025
World Deaf Federation Supports Indian Sign Language Over ASL
Imagine a group of people who use their hands to talk.
Now, some people want to use a different set of hand signs, which is like learning a new language.
The World Federation of the Deaf, a big group, says the group of hand signs the people already use is best.
They believe it helps the hand signers understand things better and keeps their culture alive.
They are worried about using the new hand signs because it might make it harder for them to learn and fit in.
So, the group wants to make sure the original hand signs are used, especially in schools.
World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) backs Indian Sign Language (ISL) over American Sign Language (ASL).
WFD urges the Supreme Court of India to protect the linguistic rights of deaf people.
A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed to potentially mandate ASL in Indian schools.
Indian associations for the deaf oppose ASL, favoring ISL.
WFD states that ISL ensures linguistic, cognitive, and social development for deaf children.
- Who
- World Federation of the Deaf and Indian deaf community
- What
- Support for Indian Sign Language (ISL) over American Sign Language (ASL) in Indian schools.
- When
- Following a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filing.
- Where
- India
- Why
- To protect the linguistic rights and cultural identity of deaf people in India.
ISL Advocates
ASL Advocates
Language of Instruction
ISL Advocates
ISL should be the primary language of instruction to preserve cultural identity and ensure effective language acquisition for deaf children.
ASL Advocates
ASL is a better choice for international opportunities for the deaf community.
- Organization Supporting ISL
- World Federation of the Deaf (WFD)
- Language in Dispute
- Indian Sign Language (ISL) vs. American Sign Language (ASL)
- Legal Context
- Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed with Supreme Court of India
- Core Argument
- ISL is crucial for deaf education and identity
- UN Convention Referenced
- CRPD Articles 21 and 24