1 Different languages, different signs
Just like spoken language, sign language is highly variable. It exists in many closely related forms – comparable to the differences between American and British English, Peninsular and Latin American Spanish, or Dutch and Flemish – and research has shown that even within a single linguistic region, variation is fairly common. Each country – or linguistic region in countries where there is more than one official language – has a standardized variety of its own. Most national deaf and/or sign language associations are listed on the website of the European Union of the Deaf.
2 Is there such a thing as a sign ‘lingua franca’?
According to the European Union of the Deaf (EUD), attempts to create an international sign language date back to 1924. Over the past few decades, the growth in travel by deaf people and their inclusion in all kinds of international conferences has further increased the need for a lingua franca. International Signs (IS) serves as an auxiliary sign language where meaning has to be negotiated between signers. They communicate using a set of mixed signs, with elements from their own national sign languages combined with iconic signs that can be understood by a large audience. Want to know more? Then take a look at this explanatory video put together by the European Union of the Deaf.
3 Deaf readers and book lovers
Readers with listening disabilities can often be overlooked. If possible, try to meet their needs by providing a sign-language interpreter for your literary event or programme. Make that information known in advance to your target audience, so that you reach as many lovers of literature as possible.
Looking for more?
Looking for information focused on specific language regions or countries? Check out these organizations that can further introduce you to specific sign languages:
Although Belgium is officially trilingual, the German-speaking community does not have its own officially recognized sign language. Within Flanders, Flemish Sign Language is considered the standard. You can consult an online dictionary. French-speaking Belgium has a different sign language, with its own online dictionary and grammar exercises.
For Dutch sign language, you can visit the Nederlands Gebarencentrum.
Britain’s Deaf Unity offers information about British Sign Language (BSL), about American Sign Language (ASL) and about International Sign Language.
Information about German Sign Language can be found on the website of the German Deaf Association.
You can find more information online about Slovenian Sign Language and sign language in Croatian.
Within France, the Féderation National des Sourdes offers information on sign language and numerous resources.
Portugal’s Deaf Association (APSurdos) provides information about Portuguese sign language and courses.