Chapter 3. Status

A language's status depends on its recognition by political institutions in its territory of use, as well as language planning and attitudes toward it. Spanish Sign Language (LSE) is legally recognised as the language of a specific community, though it's not yet considered an official language.

LSE's status is closely tied to its policies and regulations. Legislation may address sign language recognition from either a disability or linguistic rights perspective, with the former typically prevailing.

This chapter comprises three sections: the international framework for sign languages and current LSE legislation (section 3.1), LSE policies and specific initiatives by the signing community (section 3.2), and linguistic attitudes toward LSE (section 3.3).

Esteban Saiz, M. L. (2024). Socio-historical background: Status. In S. Villameriel García (Ed.), Gramática de la Lengua de Signos Española (GramLSE) / Grammar of Spanish Sign Language (GramLSE). Real Patronato sobre Discapacidad-Centro de Normalización Lingüística de la Lengua de Signos Española. Retrieved Month DD, YYYY, from https://cnlse.es/es/recursos/gramlse/ingles/index/socio-historical-background/chapter-3-status