Implicit versus Explicit Recognition

Explicit Recognition refers to the legal recognition of a given sign language as a language

Implicit Recognition refers to the mentioning of sign language in policies related to other categories such as disability

Scholars and international federations alike cite constitutional (national) recognition as the highest form of legal recognition.

Types of recognition per Maartje De Meulder*

—Recognition in the Constitution

—Recognition by means of general language legislation

—Recognition by means of a sign language law or act

—Recognition by means of a sign language law or act, including other means of communication

—Recognition by means of legislation on the functioning of the national language council

Types of Recognition per the European Union of the Deaf

Constitution

The country has recognized a sign language in its national constitution

Sign Language

A separate law recognizing the sign language

Language

A law recognizing official languages, including sign language

Disability

A law that recognizes sign language rights for deaf people as disabled people

Education

An educational law that includes sign language rights

Communication/Media

A law that requires some forms of media to ensure some sign language rights

Criminal Procedure

A law that ensures deaf people will have access to sign language interpretation during a criminal procedure, such as getting arrested or called to court

Interpreting

A law on sign language interpreting

Health

A law that allows deaf people to access information regarding their health in sign language

Employment

A law that ensures deaf people will have access to sign language at work

Other