Catalan Sign Language vs Spanish Sign Language national sign language issues

[Dimitris Mavreas]

Dear all,

I have found on  <http://www.ethnologue.com> www.ethnologue.com that
Catalonian Sign Language is (I copy) "An indigenous sign language, quite
distinct from Spanish Sign Language. About 50% intelligibility by users of
Spanish Sign Language" and that Spanish Sign Language has  "Small
differences throughout Spain with no difficulties in intercommunication,
except in Catalonia. Origin unknown, but it is reported that there are
influences from American, French, and Mexican sign languages". I can realize
the existence of two different sign languages in Spain but I wonder if
anyone could give me more information about the origins of this
differentiation (separate deaf schools, Deaf organizations).  

Variability in sign languages is well documented for various sing languages
all over the world but at the same time most nations -states are claimed to
have one national sign language. It is really a question why in Spain two
sign languages can be identified in regions where the oral languages of
hearing majority are also separable (Spanish, Catalan). The case is similar
in Belgium. Is this distinction absolute real or does it reflect identity
construction issues? Moreover, standardization process in sign languages is
probably a demand of hearing majority associated with similar evolutions in
oral languages but I feel lately Deaf communities are also concerned. 

I am working on language planning on Greek Sign Language and I am interested
in similar research on other sign languages. 

Best regards,

Dimitris Mavreas

Phd Candidate University of Athens, dmaureas at vodafone.net.gr 

 

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