The use of sign language has become increasingly popular in recent years, with more people recognizing the benefits of communicating through gestures and movements. To cater to this growing demand, a number of sign language apps have emerged in the market, designed to help users learn and practice sign language on their mobile devices. In this article, we will explore some of the best sign language apps available on both Android and iOS platforms, highlighting their key features and benefits. Whether you are a beginner looking to learn the basics or an advanced user seeking to improve your skills, these apps offer a convenient and effective way to master sign language.
We have compiled a list of 9 Best Sign Language Apps For Android & iOS for your consideration, which have undergone rigorous testing and evaluation by our team of experts.
Table of Contents
9 Best Sign Language Apps For Android & iOS
1. Hands On ASL
“Hands On ASL” is an interactive application that enables individuals to learn the basics of communication using the American Sign Language (ASL) alphabet. The application helps users to both receive and express finger-spelling using ASL.
Unlike other applications, “Hands On ASL” employs 3D models that offer the freedom to zoom and rotate the hand shapes from all angles, providing a more immersive and engaging experience.
The application features game-style quizzes that enable real-time practice with letters and words of varying length and spelling speed. Users can try to beat their previous high score on each quiz, which motivates continued learning and improvement. By using this app, users can develop a new skill and language that can connect them to a whole new world.
The application includes features such as 26 hand signs to learn and review the alphabet, multi-tiered fingerspelling practice, practice quizzes with varying word length and speed, the ability to customize hand with unique skin tones, and free download with opportunities to purchase additional content in-app.
To stay updated on any new content and features added, users can visit the developer’s website at https://playnice.games. For any questions, comments, or ideas, users can also contact the developer at contact@playnice.games.
2. Hand Sign Language Learn ASL
The “Learn Hand Sign Language” app is designed to assist individuals in learning American Sign Language (ASL) in a simplified manner. Its target audience is those who are seeking to learn a basic hand sign language.
The app consists of 26 Alphabet Flash Cards and Simple Practice tests which are aimed at enhancing the user’s memory. Once the user feels confident in their knowledge of ASL, they can test their skills using the app’s practice mode.
The app also offers a Hand Sign Challenge feature which allows users to engage with individuals from all over the world. This feature provides an excellent opportunity for users to hone their sign language skills.
In addition to its various features, the app includes pictures, letters, numbers, and sounds- making it a comprehensive tool for those who are just starting to learn how to sign. Overall, “Learn Hand Sign Language” is a great app for anyone looking to acquire a basic understanding of American Sign Language.
3. ASL Dictionary for Baby
The ‘ASL dictionary by Baby Sign and Learn’ app offers parents an opportunity to teach their babies sign language, allowing them to communicate before they can talk. The app is free and includes a sample of its features and a few signs. The full version, available for purchase on the App Store, contains approximately 340 signs and over 1 hour of video instruction. The app includes 40 real-life signing video demonstrations. All signs are based on American Sign Language (ASL), and have been selected for their ease of use, helpfulness to caregivers, and appropriateness for baby’s interests and daily routine.
Each sign has a detailed video tutorial with instructions on how to perform the sign, tips to help remember the sign, and practical suggestions on how to introduce it to the baby. The signs are organized into categories such as action words, animals, daily routines, feelings and emotions, food, manners and behavior, and nature, all arranged alphabetically for easy searching. To test the user’s baby signing knowledge, there is a fun interactive video quiz, and users can also add signs to their favorites list.
The app features high-quality graphics and videos optimized for Retina displays, and an optional setting to allow continuous play through of all signs in a category. Users can also swipe through the signs in a category without returning to the menu, and there is an optional setting to view a simplified demonstration for a sign rather than the complete tutorial. The app is designed to be a companion to the ‘Baby Sign and Learn’ animated apps, offering guidance and practical advice to make teaching babies to sign easy and enjoyable.
4. The ASL App
The ASL App is a mobile application designed by Deaf individuals to teach conversational American Sign Language (ASL). The app provides organized phrases and signs to simplify the learning process. The application is tailored to be easy, intuitive, and well-paced, allowing users to control video speeds with their finger and benefit from a search index, slow-motion option, info section, and favorites folder.
The app also allows users to save signs they want to review in their own favorites folder as well as share their progress on Twitter and Facebook. The ASL App Pack includes all current and future bundles for $9.99, removing ads in the process.
The app offers various bundles that users can choose from. Some of these bundles are free, such as Know Your ABCs, Know Your Numbers, and Universal Gestures. Other paid bundles include More Basic Signs, Looking Good Today!, Mood Swings!, Life of the Party!, Dining & Signing!, Foodies, Rejoice!, The Wilderness Beckons!, Great Timing!, Dollar and Signs!, Sign That! with Nyle, Family Signs!, Family Milestones & Life Events!, Pop Culture and Social Media!, Sign and Vote!, All About Sports!, Education & Higher Education!, LGBT & Pride!, and Emergency Signs!.
For users who require assistance, the app provides a contact email at hello@theaslapp.com.
5. ASL American Sign Language
The American Sign Language (ASL) learning app aims to provide users with a convenient and enjoyable experience to learn sign language beyond the basics. The app’s features aim to bridge the communication gap between the hearing and non-hearing communities, including voice-to-text and text-to-speech features. The app also includes a “Shortcuts” feature, which allows users to create ready-made buttons with frequently used sentences with text and voice. The pictograms feature is designed for illiterate individuals to communicate through pictures. The app is free, requires no extra permissions, and includes various features, from learning ASL history and alphabets to playing matching games and providing facts and figures about ASL.
The ASL learning app is a community app that aims to be the voice of deaf people. Users can send their stories, which will be shared with over one million users. The app is regularly updated, with new features such as ASL jokes, wallpapers, quizzes, and games in the works. Users can provide feedback and suggestions to the app’s developers through the feedback feature.
6. Mimix3D Sign Language
The Mimix3D Sign Language Translator is a mobile application that utilizes a 3D avatar to interpret spoken and written English into sign language. The app updates its sign library every week, expanding the range of translations available. The avatar can deliver real-time sign language translations, enabling communication with the deaf and hard of hearing community without knowledge of sign language. The translation is based on the Signing Exact English (SEE) method. However, it is important to note that Mimix3D is not intended to replace human sign language interpreters but instead to make communication more accessible.
The Mimix3D Sign Language Translator also has the capability to translate written text into spoken words, allowing the deaf person to write using a keyboard or a sign language keyboard, which is then spoken and signed simultaneously. This feature enables two-way communication between individuals who may not know sign language.
Additionally, Mimix3D features a dictionary with over 7200 signs from the ASL, making it an excellent tool for anyone who wishes to learn the language from their phone.
Some of the main features of the application include real-time English-to-sign language translation, text-to-speech conversion, a sign language dictionary, and the ability to learn sign language.
Mimix3D Sign Language Translator is under continuous development, with new functionality, designs, and signs added periodically. The interface is user-friendly and easy to use.
7. Sign ASL
The American Sign Language (ASL) Video Dictionary offers users the ability to search and compare thousands of words and phrases in ASL. This video dictionary can be easily accessed on mobile devices, allowing for convenient viewing of over 30,000 ASL signs.
The dictionary provides a comprehensive collection of ASL signs, making it a valuable resource for people who use or are learning ASL. The ability to search and compare multiple signs can aid in the process of learning and understanding ASL vocabulary and grammar.
The ASL Video Dictionary can be accessed through the website www.signasl.org. This website provides additional information about the dictionary, including its creators and contributors. Users can also find other resources related to ASL on the website.
8. SignSchool
The SignSchool app offers free American Sign Language (ASL) learning opportunities that are accessible anytime and anywhere. The app allows users to learn ASL at their own pace, whether they are on-the-go or at home.
The SignSchool app provides various features that help users learn ASL. The app’s dictionary feature allows users to learn thousands of signs from a diverse group of signers. Users can also explore sign categories covering a variety of topics. The app’s multiple-choice game feature allows users to review categories and reinforce their learning. Additionally, the app’s SignBuilder feature strengthens users’ vocabulary by generating randomized signs.
The SignSchool app is continually improving, and more features are set to be added soon. For a more comprehensive learning experience with interactive lessons and learning tools, users can check out the SignSchool website at www.signschool.com.
9. Sign Language Alphabet Ireland
ISL Alphabet is a mobile application designed to assist novice users in familiarizing themselves with the Irish Sign Language alphabet. The app is not intended to function as a dictionary.
The letter section of the app enables users to select a letter and view its corresponding sign in ISL. In the word section, users may input a word by typing it in or by utilizing the newly integrated voice input feature which will display the spelling of the word in ISL.