BSL, LSF, DGS, LIS — all distinct
There are over 30 distinct sign languages in Europe. They are NATIONAL languages, not 'universal'. British Sign Language (BSL), French Sign Language (LSF), German Sign Language (DGS), Italian Sign Language (LIS), and so on. Each has its own grammar — usually nothing like the spoken language of the same country.
Most member states have legally recognised at least one national sign language. The European Union of the Deaf (eud.eu) campaigns for full recognition under EU law. International Sign (IS) is a pidgin used at international Deaf events but is not a national language.
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