Austrian Sign Language

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A language of Austria

ISO 639-3
asq
Alternate Names
Carinthian Sign Language, KGS, OEGS, ÖGS, Österreichische Gebärdensprache
User Population

8,000 (2014 EUD). EUD estimates 8,000–10,000 deaf sign language users. Another estimate: 39,500 deaf (2014 IMB).

Location

Scattered.

Language Status

5 (Developing). Recognized language (2005, Constitution, Section 8(3) as amended).

Classification
Sign language, Deaf community sign language
Dialects

Substantial regional variation: Vienna, Carinthia, Styria, others. Partially intelligible with French Sign Language [fsl]. Russian Sign Language [rsl] is historically connected to it. Fingerspelling system similar to French Sign Language [fsl].

Typology

One-handed fingerspelling.

Language Use

Vigorous. In deaf schools outside of the classroom. Deaf associations. Used by all.

Language Development

TV. Videos. Dictionary. Agency: Austrian Deaf Association (ÖGLB).

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Austrian Sign Language
Other Comments

Originated in 1870. Sign language classes for hearing people, including at two universities. 150 working sign language interpreters (2019 EUD). Christian.