Sign languages are visual languages based on signs composed of five components; handshape, movement, orientation, location and non-manual expressions. All of these components need to be in place to produce a sign. These sign components can be compared with the phonological units in voiced languages.

Theoretical linguistic research is carried out in collaboration with the Sign Language Resarch Laboratory, the University of Iceland and foreign parties. The research is often part of the researchers‘ final projects at university level.

The results of research on the grammar of Icelandic sign language have been published in peer-reviewed articles and conferences, and used in teaching and preparing teaching material at all school levels.

See here: Published articles and theses (MA/M.Phil./Cand.mag.) on grammar Icelandic sign language and language politics (pdf).

Concerning the language acquisition of sign language speaking children the Icelandic sign language is the key to the future. It is therefore necessary to place emphasize on their parents' access to information about the language, opportunities for sign language speaking children to study with other sign language speaking children, teaching on and in sign language and access of sign language speaking children to the appropriate linguistic and cultural community. It is also important to place emphasize on ensuring opportunities/accessibility for all to study in Icelandic sign language and that education policies guarantee equal status of both Icelandic and the Icelandic sign language.

Projects that are being worked on are, for example:

• Developing tests and diagnostic tools to assess skills in Icelandic sign language.

• Making of skill assessments, that examine language skills, language use and theory of mind.

• Using skill assessments, to prepare age criteria for language development and standardized diagnostic tests for Icelandic sign language.

• Developing and testing of language stimulation methods in Icelandic sign language.

A Sign Language Resarch Laboratory is operated at the University of Iceland and belongs to the School of Humanities.

The Sign language Research Laboratory is based on the collaboration between the Institute of Linguistics and the Communication Center. The aim is to promote research on sign language, sign language communication, interpretation, language development of sign language speaking children and the pedagogy of sign language and sign language interpretation. In addition, cooperation between those involved in sign language research is encouraged, to ensure the best use of knowledge and resources.