S
About
Spread the Sign is a comprehensive, free-to-use multilingual sign language dictionary developed and maintained by the European Sign Language Centre, a non-profit organization based in Sweden. The platform brings together over 400,000 documented signs from sign languages worldwide, making it one of the largest openly accessible sign language resources on the internet. Users can search for specific words, browse by categories, explore alphabets, or review common sentences — each accompanied by video demonstrations to accurately convey the correct handshapes, movements, and expressions. A map feature helps users navigate and compare signs across different regional and national sign languages, highlighting the rich diversity of signed communication globally. The tool is ideal for Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, sign language students, interpreters, teachers, speech and language therapists, and anyone interested in learning or researching sign language. It also supports accessibility initiatives in businesses and educational institutions. Content on the platform is available for personal use at no cost. Commercial or research use requires a license from the European Sign Language Centre. The project is ongoing, with continuous quality improvements and expansion of sign databases. Spread the Sign is supported in part by the European Commission and relies on donations to sustain its non-profit mission.
Key Features
- Massive Sign Database: Access over 400,000 documented signs sourced from sign languages across the globe, constantly being expanded and quality-improved.
- Video Demonstrations: Each sign is presented with video content showing accurate handshapes, movements, and facial expressions for clear understanding.
- Multilingual & Multi-Sign-Language Support: Covers a wide range of national and regional sign languages, allowing users to compare signs and explore linguistic diversity.
- Search, Categories & Sentences: Quickly find signs via keyword search, browse thematic categories, or explore full sentence examples for practical learning.
- Interactive Map: A geographic map feature lets users discover and compare sign language usage across different countries and regions.
Use Cases
- Students learning sign language as a first or second language using video demonstrations and category browsing.
- Teachers and educators preparing lesson materials or looking up signs to teach in inclusive classroom environments.
- Sign language interpreters quickly referencing unfamiliar or regional signs across multiple sign language dialects.
- Businesses and organizations improving accessibility by training staff in basic sign communication.
- Researchers studying sign language linguistics, comparing signs across countries using the multilingual database and map feature.
Pros
- Free for Personal Use: The entire dictionary is freely accessible for personal learning and reference with no account or subscription required.
- Largest Publicly Available Sign Language Resource: With 400,000+ signs documented, it offers unmatched breadth across multiple sign languages worldwide.
- Supports Accessibility and Inclusion: Empowers Deaf communities, educators, and organizations to promote accessible communication and sign language awareness.
Cons
- Commercial Use Requires a License: Research and commercial usage of materials (videos, illustrations, texts) requires explicit permission and a license from the European Sign Language Centre.
- Incomplete Coverage for Some Languages: The database is an ongoing project; some sign languages may have fewer documented signs or lower video quality.
- No Interactive Learning Features: The platform is primarily a reference dictionary and does not offer structured lessons, quizzes, or progress tracking.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many signs are in the Spread the Sign database?
Spread the Sign has collected and documented over 400,000 signs from sign languages around the world, with ongoing additions and quality improvements.
Which sign languages are covered?
The platform covers a wide range of national and regional sign languages from countries across Europe and beyond. The interactive map feature shows all supported languages.
Is Spread the Sign free to use?
Yes, it is free for personal use. Commercial or research use of the content requires a license from the European Sign Language Centre.
Who created and maintains Spread the Sign?
Spread the Sign is administered by the European Sign Language Centre, a non-profit association based in Örebro, Sweden, founded by Thomas Lydell. It is partially supported by the European Commission.
Can I use Spread the Sign to learn sign language from scratch?
Yes, the dictionary is designed both as a reference tool and a learning aid. You can search for words, browse categories, and view video demonstrations — though it does not offer a structured course or progress tracking.
