Are there apps for learning sign languages?

For decades, sign languages have been at the margins of digital language learning; rarely included in major apps and often misunderstood by hearing learners. Although there have been several improvements in online resources, language exchange platforms have historically fallen short of providing an inclusive learning environment for those who want to learn sign language.

Luckily, that’s changing fast.

As conversations about accessibility, belonging, and cultural diversity rise around the world, more learners are asking:

“Are there apps for learning sign languages? Where can I practice?”

The answer is a resounding yes, there are apps for learning sign languages, and the options continue to grow. A new wave of learning platforms, online courses, and digital communities is making sign languages more accessible than ever before. Even more exciting, global language exchange apps like Tandem now support sign languages, creating real opportunities to practice signing with real people around the world.

Why learning a sign language matters

Learning sign language is different from picking up a phrasebook and memorizing verb charts. It’s an immersive experience that invites learners to think differently about how they communicate and connect with other people. Where spoken languages rely on sound, sign languages come alive through movement, space, and expressions, creating an intensely physical and beautifully visual linguistic world.

A language of its own, not just “signed English”

Many new learners are surprised to discover that sign languages are not universal, nor are they simply “signed versions” of spoken languages. American Sign Language (ASL) isn’t just English on the hands, and British Sign Language (BSL) isn’t the same as ASL despite being used in English-speaking regions.

In reality, there are over 300 different sign languages used around the world. Each sign language is a complete linguistic system with:

• Its own grammar
• Its own syntax
• Its own regional dialects
• Its own history that often developed independently of the surrounding spoken language

Learning a sign language means stepping into a linguistic world shaped not by sound, but by sight, space, rhythm, and expression. And, since different Deaf communities develop independently, each region often has its own distinct sign language. Some examples of this include:

• ASL (American Sign Language) is used in the U.S. and parts of Canada.
• BSL (British Sign Language) is used in the U.K., and it is not mutually intelligible with ASL.
• LSF (French Sign Language) is historically influential and has inspired several other sign languages.
• Auslan (Australian Sign Language) is closely related to BSL, not ASL.
• LIS (Italian Sign Language), DGS (German Sign Language), LSA (Argentinian Sign Language), and KSL (Kenyan Sign Language) are all unique systems.

A bridge to Deaf culture

Deaf culture is vibrant and carries a strong sense of belonging and pride. Sign languages are inseparable from these cultures, and many learners find that this is one of the most rewarding parts of the journey. To learn a sign language is to learn about the shared experiences, values, humor, and traditions of Deaf communities, including:

Why visual communication is central How storytelling traditions work The cultural significance of eye contact How technology and accessibility shape community life The importance of advocacy and Deaf-led education

A step toward greater inclusivity

As societies push for greater accessibility and visibility for marginalized groups, learning a sign language becomes a meaningful way to contribute. It signals a willingness to meet people where they are and recognize communication differences as diversity, not barriers. It can also help individuals create better relationships with Deaf or hard-of-hearing friends and colleagues, while enhancing interactions in multicultural spaces.

Cognitive and creative benefits beyond communication

Beyond culture and connection, sign languages offer unusual cognitive benefits. Because signing requires spatial awareness, visual memory, and fine motor control, learners often experience:

• Sharpened attention to detail
• Improved reaction time
• Enhanced mental rotation skills
• Increased creativity through expressive storytelling

It’s a language that trains your mind and body simultaneously, something few spoken languages can claim.

Tandem: An inclusive language exchange app for sign language learners

While dedicated apps can teach signs, build vocabulary, and introduce cultural principles, they all share one limitation: sign languages are social. They’re meant to be used, not just studied.

That’s where language exchange apps become essential.

No matter how many signs you memorize, fluency comes from interacting with real people. It requires you to see how expressions change in fast-paced conversation, how regional variations appear, or how a question shifts with a simple eyebrow raise.

Tandem is one of the few global language exchange apps that treats sign languages the same as any other language. That means you can actually select ASL or another sign language as your target language, match with signers around the world, and practice through meaningful cultural exchange. As of now, Tandem currently offers 20 supported sign languages through the app, including:

• American Sign Language
• Australian Sign Language, Auslan
• Australian Sign Language
• British Sign Language
• Spanish Sign Language
• French Sign Language
• Malaysian Sign Language
• Mexican Sign Language
• Russian Sign Language
• Dutch Sign Language
• Italian Sign Language
• German Sign Language
• Polish Sign Language
• Turkish Sign Language
• Chinese Sign Language
• Brazilian Sign Language
• Korean Sign Language
• Indo-Pakistani Sign Language
• Japanese Sign Language
• International Sign Language

Benefits of Tandem when learning sign language

For sign language learners, Tandem offers a combination of inclusive design and community interaction, creating a rich learning environment that you can utilize wherever you are. Some notable benefits include:

• Sign languages included natively: ASL and other signed languages can be chosen like any spoken language.
• Video-first communication: Essential for signing, and seamlessly integrated into the app.
• Global community: Connect with Deaf signers, hearing learners, interpreters, or bilingual signers.
• Cultural depth: Learners often pair signing practice with discussions about Deaf culture, accessibility, identity, and community experiences.

For many, Tandem fills a crucial gap: the leap from practicing isolated signs to holding full, expressive, and spontaneous conversations.

What other apps are available for learning sign languages?

Learning sign language today is more accessible than ever, thanks to a growing ecosystem of apps designed explicitly around visual learning. Unlike spoken-language apps that focus on audio and text, sign language platforms rely on high-quality video, Deaf-led instruction, and intuitive tools that help you understand movement, space, and expression.

But what’s equally exciting is how these apps fit into a bigger ecosystem; one where learners can build foundational skills in a structured app and then step into real conversations through inclusive language exchange platforms like Tandem. Together, these tools offer one of the most dynamic and culturally connected pathways to learning sign language.

Below is a richer look at the apps shaping the future of sign language learning.

1. Lingvano

Lingvano is an international and diverse team of Deaf and hearing people collaboratively working together to help you connect with Deaf relatives, friends, colleagues, and neighbors. Founded in 2018, this is one of the largest platforms for learning Sign Languages online and tends to have a good balance between visually intuitive and surprisingly deep.

It’s designed around short, scenario-based lessons, such as ordering food, describing your home, making small talk, and more. It’s led by a group of teachers, providing material through course videos.

Benefits of Lingvano

• Authenticity through Deaf signers: Every video is taught by Deaf instructors, giving learners exposure to natural signing.
• Real-life signing situations: Lessons focus on communication you genuinely need, not just isolated vocabulary.
• Flexible practice: Quick quizzes, slow-motion video, and looping help learners fine-tune tricky movements.
• International variety: It supports major sign languages such as ASL, BSL, and ÖGS.

2. The ASL App

Created by a Deaf-owned company, Ink & Salt, The ASL App brings culture and personality into the learning experience. Instead of static lessons, you get expressive, highly natural signing that mirrors how ASL speakers actually communicate. It’s a good tool for learning various signs and phrases, paired with easy navigation and features. You can also save your favorite signs to refer to later.

Benefits of The ASL App

• 2,500+ vocabulary signs and phrases: There are hundreds of words and phrases, covering everything from simple greetings to slang.
• Modern, conversational focus: The learning style focuses on helping learners sound natural instead of robotic.
• Real Deaf creators: The ASL App is designed by Deaf people for learners, so it teaches the real language they use daily.
• Bite-sized video categories: The size and length of the content make things easy to browse or binge.

3. SignSchool

SignSchool is a platform that combines active learning with interactive exercises, quick lectures, and reviews. It’s created as a sort of digital reference library and is a good place for learners who like some variation in their studying. There’s no linear curriculum per se, but there are a ton of great resources.

Benefits of SignSchool

• Extensive themed vocabulary library: Signs are organized by topics like travel, emotions, holidays, and daily routines for intuitive browsing.
• Personalized learning tools: The “SignBuilder” feature lets learners create customized vocabulary lists tailored to their goals.
• Flexible device compatibility: Accessible on both desktop and mobile, making it easy to learn anytime, anywhere.
• Completely free access: A strong starting point for learners who want a comprehensive resource without cost barriers.

4. Sign Language 101

For learners who prefer structure, Sign Language 101 offers a more traditional course format, complete with lessons taught by Dr. Byron Bridges, a respected Deaf educator and interpreter. There are some free lessons for beginners, but much of the content requires payment.

Benefits of Sign Language 101

• Guided, classroom-style instruction: Lessons are taught by Dr. Byron Bridges, a respected Deaf educator known for clear, accessible teaching.
• Grammar-focused explanations: Concepts go beyond vocabulary, helping learners understand how the language is structured and used naturally.
• Culture integrated into learning: Each module incorporates insights into Deaf culture, communication norms, and community perspectives.
• Structured lesson progression: A step-by-step format offers a clear path from foundational skills to more advanced signing concepts.

Tips for learning sign languages through apps and exchanges

To help you get the most out of your language learning journey, consider pairing one of the more traditional, classroom-style apps with Tandem’s language exchange. This can help you learn new vocabulary and phrases, and actively apply them in real-life situations. Some additional tips to make your language learning journey a little easier include:

• Think visually, not verbally.

  Sign languages rely on space, movement, facial expression, and body positioning; train your eyes as much as your hands.

• Pair structured apps with real conversations.

  Use learning apps for vocabulary and grammar, then turn to Tandem or other exchanges to practice naturally with real signers.

• Slow down and study the details.

  Pay attention to palm orientation, hand shape, movement path, and facial expression. Remember, small changes can alter meaning entirely.

• Use video features to your advantage.

  Loop signs, slow down playback, or record yourself signing to compare movement and fluency.

• Ask cultural questions early and often.

  Deaf culture shapes communication, so don’t be afraid to ask your language partners about community norms, etiquette, slang, and regional variations.

• Practice expressive signing.

  Facial expressions aren’t “extra,” they’re grammar. Use apps and video chats to build comfort with eyebrows, mouth movements, and emotion.

• Learn in short, consistent sessions.

  Daily practice helps develop muscle memory and visual recognition more effectively than long, infrequent sessions.

• Sign with your whole body, not just your hands.

  Good signing uses posture, shoulders, and eye contact. Apps that demonstrate full upper-body movement can be extremely beneficial.

• Embrace mistakes as part of the journey.

  Sign languages can feel intimidating at first. Stay patient and let fluency emerge naturally over time.

• Blend vocabulary with storytelling.

  Practice signing small stories or daily experiences to build flow, confidence, and natural rhythm.

• Schedule video exchanges regularly.

  Especially on Tandem, recurring video calls help build expressive skills, comprehension, and cultural awareness.

Language exchange apps like Tandem embrace sign languages as part of a global community of learners and help you build both foundational skills and meaningful connections. Download Tandem today and start connecting with signers around the world.