Should Sign Language Be Taught In All Schools?

I agree 100% that it should.
Im trying to teach myself sign language but as there are multiple versions it is proving very difficult to do over the internet so it would be nice to have someone who knows sign language teach me it.

If you think about it, teaching sign language in schools would be an amazing way to break down language barriers because as far as I'm concerned it's the same in every country/language. Yes, I realize that normal languages play a huge role in our society but we could still use sign language as a way of communication without having to learn an actual language.

Debates/ Discussion?


EDIT: I've been told there are many variants of Sign Language but it would still be interesting to maybe develop a global sign language or even just a global language in general?

Actually, Chinese is the most widely spoken language at around 1.2 billion, then going to Spanish and then English and sign language isn't only for the deaf community it's also for anyone who may be mute or have hearing difficulties.

If you think about it, teaching sign language in schools would be an amazing way to break down language barriers because as far as I'm concerned it's the same in every country/language. Yes, I realize that normal languages play a huge role in our society but we could still use sign language as a way of communication without having to learn an actual language.

Debates/ Discussion?


EDIT: I've been told there are many variants of Sign Language but it would still be interesting to maybe develop a global sign language or even just a global language in general?

I think sign language should be taught in school but not for the reason you mention. Let us face the fact that deaf children either end up not going to school or be subject to ignorance, loneliness and bully, not to mention unheard and misunderstood. (provided they don't go to school specifically for them) Teaching sign language would definitely make this world a better place for them.

It should be an option for sure I find languages hard but something like that I might find easier

Note that I said "widely". Widely means... wide, not the number of speakers. Sure, Chinese is the most spoken, but no one outside China will understand you. English, however, is learnt as a second language in almost all countries.