Ideologies of sign language and their repercussions in language policy determinations

Abstract

This article discusses ideologies of sign languages and language policy for revitalisation. The first part provides an analysis of language policy as official texts, public discourses and performative participation in policy process. After a review of ideologies that influence sign languages the paper looks at legal recognition, and some ways that the law can help or hinder the rights of sign language users. The origins of some language ideologies are traced through public attitudes, comparisons with revitalisation efforts for minority spoken languages and historical projects of idealised language forms. The article discusses the chapters in the Special Issue against the backdrop of language policy and political considerations.