# Indian Sign Language (ISL)

> One language across a country with twenty-two official spoken ones.

- Region: India
- Alphabet: two-handed alphabet
- Signs taught: 9
- Lessons: 11
- Graded movement: 1 signs
- Course page: https://signlingo.khe.money/dictionary/isl

## What this course covers

A starter course: counting to five, namaste, help and parents, and drink. The ISL alphabet is two-handed and is not covered here.

## About the language

ISL is used by roughly 6 million people and has been standardised only since 2015, when India opened its first ISL research centre.

## Signs

### 1

Index finger straight up.

### 2

Index and middle fingers up.

### 3

Index, middle and ring fingers up.

### 4

All four fingers up, thumb tucked across the palm.

### 5

Open hand, all five fingers spread.

### help

Both hands at your chest: one flat palm facing up, the other a fist with the thumb up resting on it.

### parents

Both hands form a heart shape over the centre of your chest, thumbs and index fingers meeting.

### drink

Curve your fingers and thumb into a C at your lips, then move your hand back as if tipping a cup.

### namaste — hello / greetings

Both hands flat with fingers together, palms pressed against each other in front of your chest.

---