The following is the entry for this language as it appeared in the 14th edition (2000).
It was superseded by the corresponding entry in the 15th edition (2005). See also the corresponding entry in the current edition of Ethnologue.
SIL code: SWL
ISO 639-2: sgn
| Population | 8,000 deaf primary users, and the first language of many hearing children of deaf parents (1986 Gallaudet Univ.) |
| Classification | Deaf sign language. |
| Comments | No origins from other sign languages, but it has influenced Portuguese and Finnish sign languages. Intelligible with Norwegian and Danish sign languages with only moderate difficulty. Not intelligible with Finnish Sign Language. Today the deaf are regarded as a bilingual minority. Sign language used since 1800. The first deaf school was established in 1809. There are 5 deaf schools, and they use Swedish Sign Language for instruction in all subjects. Also taught at the University of Stockholm. Many sign language classes for hearing people. Government interpreters assist the deaf in contacts with official and private institutions. There is an organization for sign language teachers. Signed Swedish is distinct. Much research. Dictionary. Grammar. TV, videos. |
