Austrian Sign Language

Austrian Sign Language, or Österreichische Gebärdensprache (ÖGS), is the sign language used by the Austrian Deaf community — approximately 10,000 people. (see Krausneker 2006)

ÖGS is a natural language with a distinct grammar. Although there are no detailed studies of the extent of relatedness, ÖGS shares aspects of its grammar with German Sign Language and Swiss Sign Language, while the vocabulary differs. (see Skant et al. 2002)

Linguistic research on ÖGS started in the 1990s and is primarily conducted at the University of Klagenfurt and University of Graz.

After a nearly 15 year long struggle by the Deaf community, ÖGS was finally legally recognized by the Austrian Parliament on September 1, 2005.

The Austrian Deaf community is represented by the Austrian Association of the Deaf (the Österreichischer Gehörlosenbund).

There is one nationwide association for professional interpreters of ÖGS.