Sign languages – Learning

By the Translation Bureau

Did you know that there are hundreds of different sign languages in the world? In Canada, the most common are American Sign Language and Quebec Sign Language (langue des signes québécoise), but Indigenous sign languages and Maritime Sign Language are also used. Each one has its own grammar and syntax.

In this section of the collection, discover resources for learning the various sign languages found in Canada.

On this page

• American Sign Language
• Quebec Sign Language (langue des signes québécoise)
• Maritime Sign Language
• Indigenous sign languages

American Sign Language

• American Sign Language alphabet/ABC song (video | 01:56)
  Source: Laura Berg Life
• American Sign LanguageꟷContinuing Education Programs
  Source: Mohawk College
• American Sign Language courses
  Source: York University
• American Sign Language curriculum
  Source: South-East Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Inc.
• American Sign LanguageꟷModern Languages
  Source: Carleton University, School of Linguistics and Language Studies
• American Sign Language resource list
  Source: Manitoba School for the Deaf
• American Sign Language training for professionals and parents/teachers of deaf children
  Source: American Sign Language Education and Communications
• American Sign Language undergraduate courses
  Source: Ryerson University
• Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services teacher's resource
  Source: Saskatchewan Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services
• Education Programs
  Source: Canadian Hearing Services
• First Responders Basic American Sign Language
  Source: Mohawk College
• Provincial Outreach Program: Deaf and Hard of Hearing
  Source: Government of British Columbia
• Sign Language classes
  Source: Newfoundland and Labrador Association of the Deaf
• Sign Language courses
  Source: Deaf Access Simcoe Muskoka

Quebec Sign Language (langue des signes québécoise)

• Deaf studies and communication program (in French only)
  Source: Cégep du Vieux Montréal
• Quebec Sign Language courses (in French only)
  Source: Regroupement des parents et amis des enfants sourds et malentendants franco-ontariens
• Quebec Sign Language courses directory (in French only)
  Source: Association du Québec pour enfants avec problèmes auditifs
• Quebec Sign Language courses for Ontario teachers (in French only)
  Source: University of Ottawa
• Quebec Sign Language for beginners (in French only)
  Source: Université du Québec à Montréal
• Quebec Sign LanguageꟷProgram Mes débuts en LSQ program (in French only)
  Source: Association du Québec pour enfants avec problèmes auditifs
• Quebec Sign LanguageꟷTraining (in French only)
  Source: Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Centre-Sud-de-l’île-de-Montréal
• Remote courses on Quebec Sign Language (in French only)
  Source: Fondation des Sourds du Québec

Maritime Sign Language

• Atlantic Provinces Sign Language Place Names Map—American and Maritime Sign Languages
  Source: Saint Mary’s University
• Deaf Literacy ProgramꟷAmerican and Maritime Sign Languages
  Source: Deaf Literacy Nova Scotia

Indigenous sign languages

• First Nations' Traditional Territory Acknowledgment (video | 00:46)
  Source: British Columbia School for the Deaf
• Oneida Sign Language—Alphabet and Chart 1 (video | 10:00)
  Source: Oneida Language and Cultural Centre
• Oneida Sign Language—Numbers 1 to 10 (video | 00:29)
  Source: Oneida Language and Cultural Centre

Suggest other resources

Do you know of other Canadian links we could add to this page? If so, please contact the Language Portal of Canada.

Related links

For French resources on this topic, check out our Langues des signes – Apprentissage page.