Flemish Sign Language
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A language of Belgium
6,500 (2021 EUD). 6,500 deaf signers, approximately 0.1% of the total population of Flanders (2021 EUD).
Scattered in Flanders.
5 (Developing). Recognized language (2006, Parliamentary decree, 26 April 2006).
West-Vlaanderen (West Flanders), Oost-Vlaanderen (East Flanders), Antwerpen (Antwerp), Vlaams-Brabant (Flemish Brabant), Limburg. These regional dialects developed in different deaf schools. Also intra-regional variation, some related to gender and age. Most similar to French Belgian Sign Language [sfb]. Influence from spoken Dutch [nld], particularly in mouthing. Limited influence from Signed Dutch (used for some communication with hearing people). Fingerspelling system similar to French Sign Language [fsl].
One-handed fingerspelling.
Vigorous. 7 schools for the deaf in Flanders but only a few use VGT for instruction. As of 2008, deaf children increasingly attend mainstream schools, with occasional interpreting into VGT. Used by all. Many also use Dutch [nld], in classrooms for writing (Van Herreweghe and Vermeerbergen 2003).
Videos. Dictionary. Grammar. Agency: Federation of Flemish Deaf Organisations (Fevlado).
Some courses and training programs for L2 users and interpreters. 165 sign language interpreters (2019 EUD). Legal provision of free sign language interpreting since 1993. Christian.