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Conference

Symposium: Through the Hands of Signers: History of sign language emergence, transmission, and change

Date
Friday 10 July 2026
Time
Location
TBA

The Vici project Through the Hands of Signers invites everyone to participate in its kick-off symposium on the History of Sign Language Emergence, Transmission, and Change on July 10 2026.

The symposium will bring together researchers, students, and international professionals with the aim of promoting the exchange of research and experiences, as well as reflecting on sign languages from a broad historical perspective, encompassing their early records, sociolinguistic development, and contemporary uses. Discussions will address the spread and transmission of sign languages across different social, educational, religious, and sporting contexts, as well as the influence of geopolitical dynamics, institutional policies, archival sources, and technologies on their circulation, preservation, and ongoing development.

Call for abstracts

We invite on-stage and poster presentations. Presentations are in-person only, unless under exceptional circumstances including visa issues. Online streaming will be provided. More information about the submission process can be found on this website soon.

  • Languages of abstract & presentation: International Sign & English (if possible, NGT interpretation will be offered during conference).
  • Deadline submission abstracts: March 2, 2026  
Registration

More information will follow soon.

  • Costs: no costs

Contact

For more information or questions, contact Glaucia Rodrigues Vermue, g.rodrigues.vermue@hum.leidenuniv.nl.

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