Swedish Sign Language

SWL

educational

Dialects: None known. No origins from other sign languages, but it influenced Portuguese , and Finnish , sign languages. Partly intelligible with Norwegian ,, Danish ,, and Finnish , sign languages.

Genealogy:

Deaf sign language

Demographics: There are about 30,000 Swedish sign language users (2012 Sveriges Dövas Riksförbund).

Language Use: Used since 1800. First deaf school established in 1809. 5 deaf schools use Swedish Sign Language for instruction. Taught and constituting a subject of research at Stockholm University. Many sign language classes for hearing people. Government interpreters assist deaf in contacts with official and private institutions. Regarded as bilingual minority.

Language Development: TV. Videos. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible portions.

Nation of Origin: Sweden

Other Comments: The Language Law of 2009 officially recognizes Swedish Sign Language in a way similar to the earlier recognition of the five national minority languages, with an obligation to protect and promote it.