Sign languages

As with spoken language, there are many different national sign languages and regional dialects. Sign languages are natural languages which are mostly acquired in infancy, the same way as spoken languages. As sign languages are natural languages, the culture in which they are embedded is just as relevant as in the case of spoken languages. Sign languages are independent visual language systems that have developed over the centuries as a means of communication between the deaf. They have the same functions and powers of expression as spoken languages. Austrian Sign Language is one of many sign languages in use worldwide. It has its own grammar and a number of variants or dialects.

Austrian Sign Language (ÖGS)

The duooo team includes interpreters and translators who acquired Austrian Sign Language as their first language and others who learnt it as a second language and are now fully fluent.

Austrian Sign Language, which is also known by the German abbreviation ÖGS, is recognised as an official language in Austrian constitutional law. It has its own grammar and a number of variants or dialects (like the dialects of spoken German). The ÖGS signs used in Tyrol, for example, differ slightly from those used in Vienna or Upper Austria.

Austrian Sign Language PLUS (ÖGS+)

In ÖGS+, signing is adapted to the customer’s level of education. The language employs greater iconicity (symbolism) and circumlocution.

International Sign (IS)

International Sign makes pronounced use of cultural gesture and facial expression and has a high level of iconicity. The need for some sort of international communication came about a long time ago when Deaf people from all over the world started gathering for events, such as sport events, e.g. Deaflympics, culture festivals or political meetings for WFD or EUD. Over the years this resulted in what we now know as International Sign (IS).

As some members of the team are competent in International Sign, duooo can also offer translation and interpretation services from and into IS. Go to the interpreter/translator page (We) to see who offers which languages. LINK to List