Singapore Sign Language: A Practical Guide for Travellers and Locals

Singapore is often described as a global city with a heart, a place where diverse cultures, languages, and communities intersect daily. We celebrate English, Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil as our official languages, but there is another language that plays an equally important role in shaping Singapore’s identity: Singapore Sign Language (SgSL).

In this guide, we explore what SgSL is, how it differs from other sign languages around the world, where it is used today, and why it matters for both visitors and residents.

What is SgSL

SgSL is the primary language used by the Deaf community in Singapore. It is a natural visual language that has developed locally over several decades through education, social interaction, and community life.

SgSL is not a signed version of English, Mandarin, Malay, or Tamil. It is a complete language in its own right, with its own grammar, sentence structure, and cultural context. Like all sign languages around the world, it is expressed through hand movements, facial expressions, body posture, and spatial awareness rather than spoken words.

Today, SgSL plays a central role in Deaf education, employment, community engagement, and cultural expression in Singapore.

How the Deaf community uses SgSL

SgSL is used across many aspects of daily life for Deaf Singaporeans, including:

• Education: In Deaf education programmes and support services
• Workplaces: For meetings, training, and professional communication with interpreters
• Community spaces: At social gatherings, cultural events, and sports activities
• Advocacy and leadership: In Deaf organisations and public engagement
• Family life: Among Deaf family members and mixed Deaf-hearing households

For many Deaf individuals, SgSL is their first and most natural language. Written English may be a second language, similar to how many hearing Singaporeans grow up bilingual or trilingual.

Not an International Sign, and not “universal”

A common misconception is that there is a single universal sign language used around the world. In reality, every country, and sometimes regions within a country, has its own sign language.

SgSL is distinct from:

• International Sign
• American Sign Language (ASL)
• British Sign Language (BSL)
• Auslan (Australian Sign Language)
• Chinese Sign Language

While some signs may look similar due to shared historical roots, SgSL has its own vocabulary, expressions, and grammatical patterns that reflect local usage.

How SgSL differs from International Sign and other sign languages

One of the most common misconceptions about sign language is that it is universal, that a Deaf person from any country can automatically communicate with another Deaf person anywhere in the world. In reality, sign languages are as diverse as spoken languages. Just as English, Mandarin, and Malay are different languages, so too are SgSL, American Sign Language (ASL), British Sign Language (BSL), and many others.

How SgSL compares with other major sign languages

Although other sign languages have influenced SgSL over the years, it remains a distinct language with its own identity.

SgSL

• Developed locally within Singapore’s Deaf community
• Influenced historically by Shanghainese Sign Language and American Sign Language
• Reflects Singapore’s multicultural society and education system
• Used in schools, workplaces, community spaces, and public services

ASL

• Used mainly in the United States and parts of Canada
• Has its own grammar that is very different from English
• Widely taught internationally due to the American media and education influence

BSL

• Used in the United Kingdom
• Not related to ASL, despite both countries using English as a spoken language
• Has different grammar and vocabulary from ASL

Auslan

• Used in Australia
• Closely related to BSL
• Developed within Australia’s Deaf community

CSL

• Used in China
• Different grammar and vocabulary from SgSL despite shared cultural heritage

Even when two sign languages share similar signs, the sentence structure, facial expressions, and grammar may be completely different.

Common SgSL phrases that we can learn

Below are some commonly used SgSL phrases that beginners can start with. These are general descriptions for awareness and learning purposes; formal training from qualified instructors is always recommended for proper technique and cultural understanding.

Hello

In SgSL, “hello” is often signed with a friendly wave or a simple greeting sign near the forehead or chest, depending on context. Eye contact and facial expression are important. A warm smile communicates just as much as the sign itself.

This is the easiest way to acknowledge a Deaf person and show openness to communication.

Video source: Wendy Tay

Thank you

“Thank you” is signed by placing the fingertips near the chin and moving the hand forward, accompanied by a nod or gentle smile. It is widely understood and used in daily interactions.

This sign is especially useful in customer service settings such as cafés, retail shops, hotels, and transport counters.

Video source: MINDSG Ltd

Sorry

The sign for “sorry” is made by forming a fist and rubbing it gently in a circular motion over the chest. It is used to apologise or express sympathy.

This is helpful in situations where there is a delay, misunderstanding, or service issue, showing respect and accountability through visual communication.

Video source: MINDSG Ltd

Please

“Please” is signed by placing a flat hand on the chest and moving it in a circular motion. Facial expression plays an important role in making the request polite and friendly.

Video source: MINDSG Ltd

Yes and no

“Yes” is commonly signed by forming a fist and nodding it, similar to nodding your head.

Video source: MINDSG Ltd

“No” is signed by extending the index and middle fingers and tapping them together, resembling a closing motion.

Video source: MINDSG Ltd

These two signs alone can support basic communication in many situations.

Help

The sign for “help” involves placing one hand in a thumbs-up position on the open palm of the other hand and lifting both hands upward. This sign is widely used in service and emergency contexts.

For travellers, this is especially important when navigating transport, attractions, or unfamiliar areas.

Video source: MINDSG Ltd

Toilet

The sign for “toilet” typically involves forming a “T” handshape and shaking it slightly. This is a practical sign for public spaces, shopping malls, MRT stations, and tourist attractions.

Singapore has an extensive network of accessible toilets, and knowing this sign can be helpful for Deaf travellers who need to locate facilities quickly.

Where

“Where” is signed by extending the index finger and moving it slightly side to side, paired with a questioning facial expression.

This sign can be combined with other signs, such as “toilet,” “bus,” or “MRT,” to ask for directions.

Video source: MINDSG Ltd

I don’t understand

This phrase is expressed by shaking the head and making a small movement near the forehead to indicate confusion or lack of understanding. Facial expression is key to conveying meaning clearly.

Using this sign encourages patience and clarifies that further explanation or writing may be needed.

Why learning these phrases matters

For Deaf individuals, seeing a hearing person attempt to communicate in SgSL is often appreciated and encouraging.

In tourism and hospitality, these small gestures can transform a service experience. A Deaf guest who feels seen and understood is more likely to feel safe, welcomed, and confident navigating the city.

For workplaces, schools, and community organisations, basic SgSL knowledge supports more inclusive communication and teamwork.

If you are interested in learning SgSL properly, there are structured courses and community programmes available in Singapore.

Where SgSL is used and supported today

SgSL is actively used across many sectors in Singapore, supported by education providers, community organisations, and accessibility initiatives.

SgSL courses and programmes by SADeaf

The Singapore Association for the Deaf (SADeaf) plays a central role in promoting SgSL and supporting the Deaf community. It is the main organisation offering structured SgSL training and interpreter development in Singapore.

SADeaf provides:

• SgSL courses for beginners and advanced learners: These courses are open to the public and cater to individuals, families, educators, service staff, and corporate teams. Learners are introduced to Deaf culture, communication etiquette, and proper signing techniques.
• Professional interpreter training programmes: These programmes train qualified sign language interpreters who support Deaf individuals in schools, workplaces, hospitals, legal settings, and public events.
• Community workshops and outreach programmes: These help raise awareness of Deaf culture and promote inclusive communication in the wider society.

Cultural events and Deaf community initiatives

The Deaf community in Singapore is active and vibrant, with regular social, cultural, and sporting activities. These include:

• Deaf sports competitions and recreation programmes
• Community gatherings and youth programmes
• Arts and theatre performances by Deaf artists
• Public talks and advocacy events

Many of these events are conducted primarily in SgSL and reflect Deaf culture, humour, storytelling, and shared experiences.

For travellers interested in cultural tourism, these community initiatives offer a deeper and more authentic view of Singapore beyond the usual attractions.

Places where you can see SgSL

Chagee signing store at NUS

• A unique tea outlet at the National University of Singapore (Yusof Ishak House) staffed by Deaf and hard-of-hearing baristas.
• The café features visual communication tools like cork-lined interiors for easier visual contact and a flip-chart wall that teaches basic sign language, encouraging customers to interact in SgSL while ordering drinks.
• This inclusive space was developed in partnership with SG Enable and the Singapore Association for the Deaf (SADeaf).

Address: 31 Lower Kent Ridge Road, Yusof Ishak House, Level 1, #01-09, Singapore 119078 (Google Map)

Operating Hours: Daily from 10.30 am to 8.30 pm

Image source: Marketing-Interactive

Dignity Kitchen Singapore

A social enterprise food court that provides meaningful employment to persons with disabilities, including Deaf and hard-of-hearing staff.

Dignity Kitchen operates as a training and employment hub where customers can interact directly with staff through visual menus and basic sign language.

At the drinks stall, hearing-impaired baristas serve kopi, tea, and beverages using visual ordering boards and simple hand signs, encouraging customers to communicate through gestures and basic sign language when placing orders.

Run by Project Dignity, the space combines good food with purposeful inclusion, creating a welcoming environment where communication differences are embraced, and everyday dining becomes a platform for social impact.

Address: 69 Boon Keng Rd, Singapore 339772 (Google Map)

Operating Hours: 8.00 am to 3.00 pm, closed on Sundays

Video source: Lawrence Wong 黄循财