Looking back while moving forward: The impact of societal and technological developments on Flemish sign language lexicographic practices

Abstract

This paper presents an overview of lexicographic projects related to Flemish Sign Language (Vlaamse Gebarentaal or VGT). VGT consists of five regional varieties. There was a time when this lexical variation was considered a disadvantage in deaf education and L2 teaching. That is why in the 1980s and early 1990s the very first lexicographic project related to Flemish signs concentrated on lexical unification in Signed Dutch. However, when the Flemish Deaf community officially rejected the use of Signed Dutch and started promoting VGT, this also led to a change in focus with respect to sign language lexicography. In 2004, the first electronic bilingual Flemish Sign Language/Dutch dictionary was published online. Since by then the Flemish Deaf community had decided not to opt for standardisation from above, it was decided to also include regional variation in the dictionary and to label the regional variants as such. By looking at past and current projects and initiatives planned for the near future, it has become clear that both societal and technological developments have been shaping lexicographic work related to Flemish Sign Language. We also look forward to future developments that will pave the way for exciting possibilities with respect to sign language lexicography.