Sign Languages in Media and Communication

Sweden was the first country to recognize sign language as an official language in 1981.

American Sign Language (ASL) is the most commonly used sign language in the world, with over 500,000 native speakers.

The World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) is an international organization that promotes the use of sign languages and the rights of deaf people.

Marlee Matlin was the first deaf actor to win an Academy Award, which she received for her performance in the 1986 film "Children of a Lesser God".

The television show "ER" was the first to feature a deaf character as a regular cast member, with the character of Dr. John Carter being played by Noah Wyle.

Bernard Bragg was the first deaf news anchor in the United States, working for WTTG-TV in Washington, D.C. from 1972 to 1984.

Kenya has the highest percentage of deaf people in the world, with an estimated 1.3 million deaf people out of a population of 47 million.

British Sign Language (BSL) is the sign language used in the United Kingdom.

Chinese Sign Language (CSL) is the sign language used in China.

French Sign Language (LSF) is the sign language used in France.

German Sign Language (DGS) is the sign language used in Germany.

Spanish Sign Language (LSE) is the sign language used in Spain.

Italian Sign Language (LIS) is the sign language used in Italy.

Japanese Sign Language (JSL) is the sign language used in Japan.

Korean Sign Language (KSL) is the sign language used in Korea.