Danish Sign Language

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A language of Denmark

ISO 639-3
dsl
Population

5,000 in Denmark (2007).

Location

Also in Greenland.

Language Status

5 (Developing).

Classification
Deaf sign language
Dialects

Some signs are related to French Sign Language [fsl]. Intelligible with Swedish [swl] and Norwegian [nsl] sign languages with only moderate difficulty. Not intelligible with Finnish Sign Language [fse].

Language Use

Used in all 6 state primary schools for the deaf. Interpreters are required in court, and may be used at important public events, in job training, social services, and mental health programs. Instruction provided for parents of deaf children and other hearing people. National sign language committee, and an organization for sign language teachers. Signed Danish is distinct, but used in communication with some hearing people.

Language Development
Films. TV. Videos. Dictionary. Grammar.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Danish Sign Language
Writing
SignWriting.
Other Comments

The first school began in 1807.