Saudi Sign Language

Saudi Sign Language (SSL; Arabic: لغةالإشارة السعودية, romanized: Lughat al-Ishārah al-Saʻūdīyah) or Saudi Arabian Sign Language (SASL; Arabic: لغة الإشارة السعودية العربية, romanized: Lughat al-Ishārah al-Saʻūdīyah al-ʻArabīyah) is a sign language used by deaf and hard of hearing individuals in Saudi Arabia. SASL has its own unique grammar, syntax, and vocabulary, which include complex linguistic features such as verb agreement, nominal case marking, and aspectual markers. SSL also uses elements such as facial expressions, gestures, and finger spelling to convey meaning and emphasis. SASL has its own literature, including humor and poetry. It can be studied as a foreign language in colleges and schools.

SASL is distinct from other sign languages used in Arabic countries, as it has its own unique vocabulary and grammar rules. In Saudi Arabia, older generations of Saudi Deaf individuals are more likely to use SASL naturally in various settings, while younger generations may be more influenced by technology and social media. This difference in language usage can have an impact on the development and evolution of the language. Nonetheless, SASL remains an important tool for communication and expression within the Saudi Deaf community.