Arabic Sign Language

Arabic Sign Language (ArSL) is a form of non-verbal communication for Arabic speakers who are deaf or hard of hearing. Like the Arabic language itself, ArSL has many variations based on region or dialect. Until 2004, there was no standardized ArSL across the Arab world, so the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs compiled a common dictionary with vocabulary from various dialects. Today, standardized ArSL appears in the media, much like Modern Standard Arabic, but regional ArSL dialects remain in use day-to-day. Please note that the examples in this infographic may differ from region to region because of varying ArSL dialects.