Knowra French Sign Language French Sign Language French Sign Language, or LSF, is a visual language used by Deaf communities in France. It has its own grammar and vocabulary, distinct from spoken French.
Sign language : A natural language that uses visual-manual forms, such as handshapes, movement, and facial expression. LSF belongs to this language family, but is not a universal system shared by all signers.
Charles-Michel de l'Épée : An eighteenth-century French cleric who founded a school for Deaf students in Paris and promoted their education. His school helped bring Deaf signers together, though he did not create LSF.
Christian Cuxac : A French linguist known for research on French Sign Language and the structure of signed discourse. His work analyzed how LSF uses iconic and constructed-space resources in discourse.
French : A Romance language spoken in France and many other countries, with grammar and vocabulary distinct from LSF. LSF is not French represented by hand signs; the two languages have distinct structures.
French Sign Language interpreting : The translation of communication between LSF and another language, spoken or signed. Interpreters make LSF accessible in public services, education, healthcare, and media.
Sign language phonology : The study of contrastive units in sign languages, including handshape, location, movement, and orientation. These units combine to distinguish LSF signs, much as sound contrasts distinguish spoken words.
Old French Sign Language : A historical sign language used in Deaf communities in France before the spread of modern LSF. LSF developed in a community shaped by earlier signing traditions in Paris and elsewhere.
Emmanuelle Laborit : A French Deaf actor and author known for her work in theatre and public advocacy for sign language. Her career brought LSF and Deaf culture to wider French audiences.
Langue parlée complétée : A French communication system that uses hand cues alongside speech to make spoken French more visually distinguishable. Unlike LSF, it supports spoken French rather than functioning as a separate natural language.
Deaf education in France : The schooling of Deaf students in France, shaped by debates over sign language, speech, and bilingual education. LSF’s place in classrooms reflects long-running choices about language access and instruction.
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