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Sign Languages as an invaluable part of Europe’s diverse cultural and linguistic landscape: 

Release of the CEFR Companion Volume International Sign Language Version

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, teaching, assessment (CEFR) is one of the Council of Europe’s flagship frameworks developed under the Language Policy Programme and, since its launch in 2001, followed by its Companion Volume in 2020, one of the Council of Europe’s best known and most widely used policy instruments.

A recent milestone is the development of the International Sign Language version of the CEFR Companion Volume. This version will serve as a basis for the translation of the CEFR Companion Volume into national European sign languages. This publication is a crucial step in the Council of Europe's commitment to language education, to preserving and promoting Europe's linguistic and cultural diversity, and to raising awareness of European sign languages as minority languages. This development in turn will promote plurilingual and intercultural education and quality education for all as a prerequisite for peaceful, inclusive, and democratic societies.

In this context, the Council of Europe is pleased to invite you to follow a webinar on Thursday, 12 September (16:00-17:15 CET) on the importance of sign languages and their teaching, learning and assessment through the CEFR Companion Volume for the Council of Europe and its member states. During the webinar you will have the opportunity to find out more about some important topics such as: sign language rights and participation in line with European legislation; sign language teachers' perspectives on the use of CEFR CV and its translation into national languages (written and signed); first insights into the implementation of CEFR CV in sign language teaching, learning and assessment; and recognition of sign languages in Council of Europe Member States.

Webinar Programme

To follow this webinar, please sign up here before 11 September 2024.