The Communication Centre for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
New videos published on Signwiki
20th February 2025
Recently, the Communication Centre published videos of two of the oldest speakers of Icelandic sign language, which are available. They are important links in the history of deaf and Icelandic sign language in Iceland. These individuals are Ragnar Erlendsson and Þorsteinn Þorgeirsson.
Ragnar Erlendsson was born in Reykjavík on 3rd June 1911 and died there on 18th August 1998.
After studying at the Deaf school in Stakkholt, Ragnar worked for Hitaveita Reykjavíkur (Reykjavik District Heating Service) for decades. He loved nature and his interests were often expressed in artistic ways, for example by painting and taking pictures.
Böðvar Árnason interviewed Ragnar outside the care home, Vinahlíð, in 1993, where they talked about Ragnar's schooldays, his childhood and work among other things.
Þorsteinn Þorgeirsson was born in Lambastaðir in Gardur on December 4th, 1913 and lived there until his death 6th March, 2001.
Þorsteinn, called Steini, was one of twelve siblings. He worked in the fishing industry from an early age and, among other things, owned and operated the motorboat Þorsteinn GK 327 throughout his life.
In 1995 Daníel Jacob Jensen interviewed Þorsteinn at his home in Garður. In the interview he tells us about his upbringing, family, school and work.
Ragnar and Þorsteinn were active members of the Deaf community in Reykjavík and were both among the founding members of the Association of the Deaf on 11th February 1960.
Here is link to videos in Signwiki
