Swedish Sign Language

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A language of Sweden

ISO 639-3
swl
Alternate Names
SSL, STS, Svenskt Teckenspråk, SwedSL
User Population

8,000 (2021 EUD). Less than 0.1% of total population. Another estimate: 40,000 deaf (2014 IMB).

Location

Scattered.

Language Status

4 (Educational). Recognized language (2009, Languages Act, Article 9).

Classification
Sign language, Deaf community sign language
Dialects

None known. Partly intelligible with Norwegian [nsl], Danish [dsl], and Finnish [fse] sign languages.

Typology

One-handed fingerspelling.

Language Use

Used since 1800. First deaf school established in 1809. Deaf schools. Deaf associations. Regarded as bilingual minority. Taught and constituting a subject of research at Stockholm University. Many also use Swedish [swe].

Language Development

Written Swedish taught in the schools (Svartholm 2010). Videos. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible portions: 2001–2008. Agency: Swedish National Association of the Deaf (SDR).

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Swedish Sign Language
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. 600 sign language interpreters (2021 EUD). Many L2 users, with classes for parents of deaf children and other hearing people (2013 N. Juhonewe). Fingerspelling system is unlike other European languages. Christian.