Guest lecture with Marta Morgado

14 May 2025

Photo: UHH/IDGS; Foto: Juan Antonio Guzmán at Unsplash

Is Portuguese Sign 
Language under 
threat?
The use of International sign by deaf youngsters

Who? Dr. Marta Morgado

When? 14. May 2025
, 10:15-11:45 Uhr

Where? IDGS – GFW 7
, Room: A0020

Languages: English / DGS / International Sign

The study that will be presented examines the contact of International Sign (IS) with Portuguese Sign Language (LGP) and how social media influences linguistic change among Deaf individuals. Technological advancements have shifted interactions from in-person settings, like Deaf clubs and schools (O’Brien et al., 2019), to virtual environments. According to Fialho (2024), online interactions now surpass face-to-face communication, leading to behavioural shifts. Deaf individuals increasingly use social media, integrating IS into their daily communication.

Observations suggest that the Deaf community in Portugal is incorporating IS into LGP. To explore this, 60 interviews were conducted with Deaf Portuguese participants (ages 16–88). Findings indicate that IS has become more integrated into LGP, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic, and remains prevalent across generations, especially among younger users. Participants engage with "Deaf influencers" and Observations suggest that the Deaf community in Portugal is incorporating IS into LGP. To explore this, 60 interviews were conducted with Deaf Portuguese participants (ages 16–88). Findings indicate that IS has become more integrated into LGP, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic, and remains prevalent across generations, especially among younger users. Participants engage with "Deaf influencers" and online gaming, reinforcing IS as a widely understood signed language. Many perceive IS as clearer, easier, and more efficient than national sign languages, reflecting positive attitudes toward IS.

Ethnographic studies complement these findings, including natural observations of Deaf inter-actions. Video recordings captured spontaneous social interactions, such as a 90-minute dinner with six deaf individuals (ages 25–30), where an average of 1.5 IS signs per minute was observed.

In short, IS is increasingly embedded in the sign language of Portuguese Deaf individuals of all ages.