Understanding Linguicism and Deaf Discrimination in the European Union

Linguicism refers to discrimination based on the use of language. For Deaf communities, this often means being treated unfairly because they use sign languages instead of spoken languages.

In the European Union (EU), Deaf people face barriers in education, work, and daily life due to limited recognition of national sign languages. This report explains how linguicism affects Deaf communities in the EU, using examples from the Netherlands and Slovakia.

What Is Linguicism?

Linguicism is a form of prejudice linked to language choices. Danish linguist Tove Skutnabb-Kangas first described it as discrimination that harms minority languages and their users[1].

For Deaf people, linguicism occurs when governments or institutions refuse to recognize sign languages as equal to spoken languages. For example, some schools force Deaf children to learn lip-reading instead of sign language, ignoring their natural way of communicating[2][3].

The EU’s Charter of Fundamental Rights bans discrimination based on language[4]. However, the EU does not yet recognize any national sign languages as official languages, even though 31 exist across member states[5][6]. This lack of recognition makes it harder for Deaf people to access public services, education, or jobs.

Examples of Linguicism in the EU

The Netherlands: A History of Suppression

In the Netherlands, Dutch Sign Language (NGT) was banned in schools for Deaf children from 1915 to 1980[7]. Teachers believed forcing children to speak Dutch would help them integrate into hearing society.

However, this policy left many Deaf students without a clear way to learn or communicate. After 1980, schools slowly reintroduced NGT, but resources remain limited.

Today, only two secondary schools in the Netherlands offer bilingual education using NGT and Dutch[7].

Slovakia: Progress and Challenges

Slovakia recognized Slovak Sign Language (SPJ) in 1995, but many Deaf people still struggle to access interpreters or education in SPJ[8][9]. During the COVID-19 pandemic, sign language interpreters appeared on TV during government briefings, raising awareness.

However, schools often prioritize teaching spoken Slovak over SPJ, leaving Deaf students behind[9]. In 2025, the European Court of Human Rights ruled that Slovakia discriminated against a Romani pupil placed in a special education class[10].

While this case focused on ethnicity, it shows how systemic exclusion affects minority groups-including Deaf communities.

Fighting for Recognition

Deaf organizations like the European Union of the Deaf (EUD) urge the EU to revise its language laws. Currently, EU Regulation No 1/1958 lists 24 official spoken languages but excludes sign languages[11][5]. The EUD argues this violates the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which the EU ratified[6]. Recognition would require governments to provide sign language interpreters in hospitals, courts, and schools, ensuring Deaf people can fully participate in society[12][13].

Conclusion

Linguicism against Deaf people persists because sign languages are not valued equally. The EU must update its policies to include national sign languages as official languages. This change would help end discrimination and ensure Deaf communities have equal access to education, jobs, and public services. As Skutnabb-Kangas warned, ignoring linguistic rights risks cultural erasure and inequality[1]. Recognizing sign languages is an important step toward justice.

Key Terms

Linguicism: Discrimination based on language use.
National sign language: A visual language developed by Deaf communities in a country.