Danish Sign Language
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A language of Denmark
16,000 in Denmark, all users. L1 users: 6,000 in Denmark (2021 DBS/DOOR/SIL). Estimated assuming 0.1% of the total population. Other estimates: 4,000 (2014 EUD), 5,000 (Bergman and Engberg-Pedersen 2010), 24,500 (2014 IMB). L2 users: 10,000 (McGregor et al 2015). Total users in all countries: 16,110 (as L1: 6,110; as L2: 10,000).
Scattered.
5 (Developing). Recognized language (2015, Law 61, amendment to Danish Language Council).
None known. Also in Faroe Islands, Greenland (2014 J. Zachariassen, Aldersson and McEntee-Atalianis 2007). Partial intelligibility between Denmark, Greenland, Faroe Islands, and Iceland (McGregor et al 2015:197). 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]. Signed Danish is distinct, but used in communication with some hearing people.
One-handed fingerspelling.
Vigorous. First deaf school began in 1807. 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. Used by all. Also use Danish [dan].
TV. Videos. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible portions: 2013. Agency: Danish Deaf Association (DDL).
Fingerspelling system similar to French Sign Language [fsl]. Organization for sign language teachers. Instruction provided for parents of deaf children and other hearing people. 400 working sign language interpreters (2019 EUD). Christian.