Signed Languages are languages which primarily function non-verbally through visual signals, generally invented for the use of the deaf to communicate. As the name indicates, the primary means of communication is generally signs made with the hands in front of the body. However, most sign languages include facial expressions and some, such as Japanese Sign Language, include mouthing as part of their mechanics. It is important to recognize that while almost every community with a spoken language also has a signed language, the signed language used is related more to the geographical region than to the spoken language. For example, English is the primary language of the United States, Canada, UK, Australia and New Zealand, but the US and Canada use ASL [[note]]Actually closely related to French Sign Language and quite different from British Sign Language.[[/note]], the UK uses BSL, and Australia and New Zealand use AUSLAN and NZSL respectively - all related languages but with distinct signs and grammar.

One important aspect of Signed Languages is that they are, as a rule, fully formed languages with their own grammar and words. They are not pantomime nor do they necessarily follow the grammar of the spoken language of the region. Some signs are iconic, or resemble what they speak of, much like how some spoken words are onomatopoeic, but most signs are abstractions of iconic signs or completely original. The grammar itself frequently differs greatly in part due to the spatial aspects of signs and the ability to convey information non-sequentially. For example, within ASL, it is common to establish specific people in a conversation at spatial locations and later use signs moving from location to the other rather than having to reestablish identities or use pronouns. Similarly, since both hands and the face can be used, multiple pieces of information can be encoded into a single sign. For example, a sentence like "I drove from Jane to John and I enjoyed it" can be conveyed in a single sign if Jane and John have already been previously established in the conversation.

It is worth noting that Signed Language, while non-verbal, is not necessarily quiet. Even deaf users typically make sounds while signing and it is not infrequent for a very low-pitched grunt to be used to catch someone's attention via the vibrations.

Signed Language has nothing to do with the trope of TalkingWithSigns which involves characters communicating via written signs. It is related to HandSignals, which range from pantomime to a reduced vocabulary, sometimes with a sparse grammar. Especially within fantasy works, it is not uncommon to have races or nations where Hand Signals have evolved into a Signed Language, typically to provide a method to communicate in secrecy.

!! The following works involve Signed Language as a significant aspect of the plot:


[[folder:Anime and Manga]]
* One of ''Manga/{{Gangsta}}'s'' main characters is a deaf [[DifferentlyPoweredIndividual Twilight]] named Nicolas Brown who primarily communicates with his HeterosexualLifePartner Worick and friends using sign language. Note that Nic ''can'' speak, he just hates to do so because its tiring and comes off... not quite right.

* UsefulNotes/{{The Bronze Age|OfComicBooks}} ''ComicBook/TeenTitans'' version of Jericho communicated only in sign language (his vocal cords had been cut by his father's enemies). If he spoke at all, it was because he was [[GrandTheftMe possessing someone]]. Marv Wolfman also prohibited the use of thought bubbles when writing him in the comic, leading George Perez to get creative when displaying hand gestures. This trait is carried over into his animated appearances.

* All of the undersea settlers in ''Literature/DarkLife'' know sign language, because the liquid oxygen substitute they use when diving keeps them from talking out loud.
* In ''Film/WhatWomenWant'', there's a moment when Nick Marshall believes he has stopped hearing women's thoughts. Then, he sees two deaf women using signed language and realizes he can hear what they're saying/thinking.
* ''Film/{{Deafula}}'' is about a deaf vampire. The film is completely performed in sign language, with no spoken dialog. [[ And yes, it really exists]].
* ''Film/TheCrucible'', a 2011 Korean film based on the true story of a sex abuse scandal at a school for the hearing-impaired, naturally has a great deal of subtitled KSL (Korean Sign Language).
* With the exception of one line in English, Marlee Matlin gives her Oscar-winning performance in ''Children of a Lesser God'' entirely in American Sign Language. It isn't subtitled; instead, William Hurt's character interprets to himself, out loud for the audience's benefit. When he doesn't, Matlin's expressiveness speaks for itself.
* Shows up in ''Film/{{Shuttle}}'' where it's a ChekhovsSkill for the protagonist, used to communicate her kidnapping via a security camera in a convenience store.
* In [[Film/RiseofthePlanetoftheApes Rise of the Planet of the Apes]] and [[Film/DawnofthePlanetoftheApes Dawn of the Planet of the Apes]], sign language is the main method of communication among apes.
* In ''Film/BeyondTheSilence'' (Jenseits Der Stille), the main character's parents are both deaf and hence there is a lot of sign language in the movie.
* The last scene of ''Film/AllAboutSteve'' features a group of deaf children stuck in a mine shaft. The sign language is accurate ASL.

* ForgottenRealms:
** The Drow hand code in R.A. Salvatore's novels (the ones with Drizzt Do'Urden). Drow elves are all taught a language composed entirely of hand signals. Any two Drow can communicate in this way in complete silence as long as they can see one another. And in complete darkness, because of their infravision.
** Some surface Elves in ForgottenRealms, according to ''Return of the Archwizards'', have "finger talk". As opposed to at least part-"hieroglyphical" Drow signs, it's alphabetical language and at least to some degree useable with human hands.
** The ''Finder's Stone'' trilogy mentioned thieves' hand cant. Saurials can't speak aloud, so it came in handy, teaching a paladin to understand it.
* The Clan in the ''Literature/EarthsChildren'' communicate primarily by sign language and BodyLanguage, using vocal noises only for names (based on a [[ScienceMarchesOn now-disproved]] theory that Neandertals had less-capable vocal cords than do ''Homo sapiens'' and could not have supported a fully-verbal language). Visual miscommunication is PlayedForDrama several times in ''Clan of the Cave Bear'', with TheResenter always turning away before someone compliments him.
* The Drasnian secret language, of the ''Literature/{{Belgariad}}'', by Creator/DavidEddings. All Drasnians involved in the intelligence community (which apparently means "all of them") are taught a language similar to the Drow version above. On more than one occasion, two such speakers converse verbally about something unimportant while having a completely separate discussion with their hands. The language is specific enough that a speaker can gesture with a recognizably outlandish "accent": when Garion first learns it, Silk notes that his initial use of it is a bit off due to learning it in a cold environment (with finger joints frozen).
* Verghastite, and later some Tanith, members of ''Literature/GauntsGhosts'' that have been deafened by artillery fire communicate with a form of sign language.
* In one of the ''Literature/{{Xanth}}'' stories, two characters learn American Sign Language as a way to communicate because a Xanthian girl cannot speak any known Mundane language, and the American doesn't know the language of Xanth. They later talk to a deaf man on the bus, because he saw them signing and thought they were deaf, initiating a conversation in American Sign Language.
* In ''Literature/TheWheelOfTime'', the [[ProudWarriorRaceGuy Aiel]] have a limited form of "handtalk", with the [[AmazonBrigade Maidens of the Spear]] expanding it into a more complete language.
* In ''Franchise/{{Dune}}'' multiple characters use hand signals to give orders to their subordinates. In fact, there are entire sign languages developed separately by [[FeudingFamilies both the Atreides and the Harkonnens]], as well as even more subtle ones developed by the Bene Gesserit, that allow them to communicate irrelevant information verbally and important stuff with their hands, making sure that even if they are overheard, the enemy won't learn anything.
* In ''Mirror Friend Mirror Foe'', a ninja family is not only trained in that... They can communicate that way while having a verbal conversation on a totally unrelated matter.
* The giant raccoons in ''Architect of Sleep'' use sign language to communicate due to having never developed a complicated enough vocal apparatus to support a spoken language. They do punctuate their signs with trills and chirps, though.
* The Isitri from the ''Franchise/StarTrek'' novel ''Troublesome Minds'' by Creator/DaveGalanter. They communicate by a mixture of telepathy and sign language, and have no spoken language (they have poor hearing, with many being deaf, and their throats and mouths aren't configured for verbal speech). The sign language is used by the few non-telepathic Isitri, and by all Isitri to communicate with aliens.
* The telepathic treecats in ''Literature/HonorHarrington'' communicate with humans via sign language derived from ASL (modified for the treecat's FourFingeredHands), although they can understand spoken word fine.
* The crypt workers in the ''Literature/SwordOfTruth'''s People's Palace. Darken Rahl ''had their tongues cut out so they wouldn't speak ill of his father'', so they developed one of these. Only their boss understands them at all, and poorly at that. He still has his tongue, primarily for this reason. Cara begins to follow what they mean after a length "conversation". When they get their tongues magically restored, they never stop talking. It has less UnfortunateImplications than one might imagine, because these people were all mute against their will, and had no support structure like actual deaf and mute communities, so they would be less inclined to stay mute.
* The Heralds of the ''Literature/HeraldsOfValdemar'' series not only have a hand-based signed language, but also a form of "HandSignals" involving apparently playing footsie under the table for when they wish to communicate in secret.
* In the ''Literature/SimeGen'' world, Householders at a Gen auction will hold hands, the Sime wrapping tentacles around their hands as well, and communicate via subtle pressures and shifts in contact. (There's also a great deal of non-verbal information communicated via manipulating nagers.)
* The second book in A.C. Crispin's [=StarBridge=] series deals with a species of crane-like aliens who communicate primarily in sign; vocalization is used only as emphasis or warning...and their voices are so loud and piercing that they do physical damage to fragile human eardrums. The protagonist is a deaf cultural interpreter who is brought in to live with them, meaning that most of the book's dialogue is in sign.
* In ''[=PartnerShip=]'', the second book of the ''Literature/TheShipWho ...'' series, [[spoiler:Blaize]] learns that [[spoiler:the native Anglians on the planet he's tending]] can communicate in sign language, and are reasonably intelligent once they learn they can communicate with humans.

[[folder:Live Action TV]]
* An episode of ''Series/StarTrekTheNextGeneration'', "Loud As A Whisper", featured Deaf actor Creator/HowieSeago performing the role of Riva, a mute character who in the context of the story used an esoteric form of gestural communication known only to him and a few others. In reality, Seago was using his native American Sign Language. When Riva's interpreters were killed, Commander Data had to quickly learn the language and serve as Riva's interpreter. Unfortunately, while Brent Spiner is a wonderful actor, his attempts at signing were hilariously bad, and he was effectively speaking nonsense for the couple of brief moments when Data was actually shown signing on camera. It's a good thing, then, that the majority of the time, Data simply filled the role of voice interpreter.
* The old CBS TV show ''Series/BeautyAndTheBeast'' had a deaf character who had grown up in the tunnels in [[InspirationallyDisadvantaged "An Impossible Silence"]] and [[DisabilityAsAnExcuseForJerkassery "Sticks and Stones"]] who communicated through ASL. The second episode was groundbreaking in that there were several scenes where deaf characters communicated in on-screen silence, with no voiceover or even background music, something the [[DisabledCharacterDisabledActor deaf actors involved]] fought hard for, not wanting someone else's voice to overshadow their own "voices."
* ''Series/CHiPs'': they meet a [[GirlOfTheWeek deaf woman]] and learn sign language ''just in time'' to use it during a chase scene when they were far away from each other and there was construction noise nearby; then they never used it again.
* Shows up a lot in ''Series/{{NCIS}}'' as [[PerkyGoth Abby]] and Gibbs both know [[ ASL]]. Actually turns up again ''Series/NCISLosAngeles'' when Abby is kidnapped and uses ASL to warn the local team about the room she's in.
* The KoreanDrama ''Series/CanYouHearMyHeart'' centers around several deaf individuals.
* ''Series/SwitchedAtBirth'' has several deaf characters (one of them is a main character), and hence uses this a lot.
* ''Series/SesameStreet'' included Linda, a deaf woman who communicated entirely in American Sign Language during the course of the series.
* Creator/TheBBC has a magazine show for deaf people called ''See Hear'', with presenters and interviewees using British Sign Language throughout. Until fairly recently, the BBC would also repeat various prime-time shows in the early hours of the morning with an in-vision sign language interpreter for use as a teaching aid.
** Morning programming on some BBC channels is comprised of repeats with an in-vision sign language interpreter to the side of the screen. There are also signed broadcasts throughout the day on the dedicated news channel.
** This still happens on Cbeebies, the morning's shows are repeated from 3 til 5 with sign language.
** There's also ''Something Special'' on Cbeebies, which is about teaching children BSL.
* A children's show that aired in the late 90s/early 2000s called ''What's Your Sign?'' had one hearing host and one deaf host, and everything spoken was also said in ASL, to help teach kids sign language.
* ''Series/SueThomasFBEye'' was about a deaf detective and included at least one other deaf character almost every episode.
* In the 2009 [[Creator/TheBBC CBBC]] 11 part series ''My Almost Famous Family'' youngest child Martha is deaf and what ever she 'says' appears on the screen, the other members of the family sign when speaking to her and when there's something they want her to 'hear' when she's in the room.
* TheWestWing featured deaf pollster Joey Lucas (played by deaf actress Marlee Matlin), as a recurring character, always accompanied by her interpreter Kenny. This led to copious amounts of ASL flying around, occasionally spreading to main characters:
--> '''Sam:''' Joey puts together a decent snapshot.
--> '''Lisa:''' Which one's Joey?
--> '''Sam:''' Kenny, can we get Joey a second?
--> '''Kenny:''' [signs] Can you come over for a second?
--> '''Joey:''' [signs] Just a minute, please.
--> '''Sam:''' [signs] Thank you.
--> '''Lisa:''' When did you pick that up??
--> '''Sam:''' I just said "thanks"... could he go easy with the pictures?
* {{Series/Fargo}} features deaf hitman Mr. Wrench (played by deaf actor Russell Harvard) and his interpreter/partner Mr. Numbers. The two communicate in mostly unsubtitled ASL, leaving a lot of jokes and arguments exclusively for people who know ASL.
* Creator/AlJazeera Arabic has an in-vision (Arabic) Sign Language interpreter on some of its broadcasts. Since (given that Al Jazeera serves the Middle East) they tend to report on wars a lot, even non-deaf viewers of Al Jazeera Arabic can give a decent imitation of the Arabic sign for "air strikes."


[[folder:Music Video]]
* In the music video for Music/SavageGarden's "Crash and Burn," Darren Hays sings and signs the final verse.
* And for People who understand BSL, the video for Faithless' [[ God is a DJ]] is pretty much sung and signed by Maxi Jazz. Only one small part with an argument being signed is not a direct translation.
* Music/FlorentPagny's DeliberatelyMonochrome video for "Savoir Aimer" (Know How to Love), consists of a single shot of him signing the lyrics of the song.
* UK band Red Box was lauded in the mid-80s for their video for [[ "Lean On Me (Ah-Li-Ayo),"]] which featured a BSL interpreter on the lower right side of the screen.
* A running gag in the filk music of TomSmith and others at conventions is to have a sign language interpreter, generally the talented Judi Miller, [[ try to interpret songs on the fly]].

[[folder:Tabletop Games]]
* The Sisters of Silence from ''TabletopGame/{{Warhammer 40000}}'' use hand signals to communicate, one form for normal conversation and one for the battlefield.
* ''TabletopGame/DungeonsAndDragons''.
** The Drow had a language of hand signs in their original appearance.
** ''TabletopGame/ForgottenRealms'' {{sourcebook}} on Harpers also mentioned their own "silent code" of gestures and expresions.
** 1st Edition had alignment languages, which included special signals and gestures.
* ''TabletopGame/StarWarsSagaEdition'' had handsignals in one splatbook handled elegantly as a language. Well worth the cost, if you're playing that sort of campaign.
* ''TabletopGame/{{Paranoia}}'' has Twitchtalk for conversing silently to comrades. It works as well as everything else in this setting.

[[folder:Video Games]]
* Within ''VideoGame/PhantomBrave'', Castille realizes that Putties are intelligent, but unable to speak, and teaches one sign language to communicate.

[[folder:Visual Novels]]
* ''VisualNovel/KatawaShoujo'' is set in a high school for disabled teenagers. One of the routes centers on the deaf-mute StudentCouncilPresident, where she and [[TranslatorBuddy her best friend]] communicates mainly in sign language. [[spoiler:If the main character pursues this route, he learns it, too]].

* ''[[ That Deaf Guy]]'' is all about the day-to-day life of a deaf man, his translator wife, and their CODA (Child Of Deaf Adult) son. Aspects of signed language and deaf culture are central conceits.

[[folder:Web Original]]
* In the ''Literature/TheSagaOfTuck'', Tuck is fluent in ASL because he had communication problems when he was a child, so his family and Mike learned it as well. This becomes very handy to secretly talk in plain sight without listeners and to befriend a deaf girl in ''Seasons''.
* At the [[Literature/WhateleyUniverse Whateley Academy]], signed language is used by a significant subset of the student population to deal with people whose mutations leave them unable to speak, or unable to speak safely, although the details are often glossed over.
** It is explained that Razorback signs in both AUSLAN and ASL, because he learned the former first, and that he's had to make some adjustments to both because of his saurian digits.

[[folder:Western Animation]]
* In WesternAnimation/TheLittleMermaid episode, "When You Wish Upon a Starfish" Ariel meets a deaf mermaid girl named Gabriella who spoke with signed language while her octopus friend interpreted for her.