Who We Are
The Maltese Sign Language Council (Kunsill għal-Lingwa tas-Sinjali Maltija) is the national body responsible for promoting, protecting, and developing Maltese Sign Language (LSM) as an essential part of Malta’s linguistic and cultural heritage.
The Council was established under the Maltese Sign Language Act (Cap. 556) following the Maltese Parliament’s approval of Maltese Sign Language as an official language of Malta on 16th March 2016, reflecting the country’s commitment to recognising and supporting the rights of Deaf people. It serves as an advisory and regulatory entity, ensuring that these rights are respected and advanced.
The Council is composed of individuals who have in-depth knowledge of, or experience with, Maltese Sign Language, including representatives from the Deaf community, working together to strengthen its status and promote its use across all areas of Maltese society.
What We Do
The Maltese Sign Language Council works to ensure that Maltese Sign Language is protected, standardised, and promoted across all sectors of life. Our main areas of work include:
- Language Development: Supporting the creation and use of LSM resources, such as educational and reference videos, to promote consistency and encourage the growth and use of Maltese Sign Language.
- Education and Awareness: Promoting understanding and respect for Maltese Sign Language and Deaf culture within the wider community.
- Policy and Advice: Advising government bodies and institutions on matters related to LSM and accessibility.
- Recognition and Use: Encouraging the use of LSM in education, media, and public services to ensure equal participation for Deaf people.
- Collaboration: Working with local and international organisations to share best practices and advance the status of sign languages globally.
Through these initiatives, the Council works to make Malta and Gozo more inclusive, where Maltese Sign Language is respected, valued, and used alongside Maltese and English in everyday life.
About Maltese Sign Language
Maltese Sign Language (LSM) is the natural language of the Deaf community in Malta. It is a complete language with its own grammar, structure, and vocabulary, distinct from spoken Maltese and English.
LSM is used daily by hundreds of people across Malta and Gozo for communication, education, work, and cultural expression. Recognising LSM as an official language in 2016 was a historic step in ensuring the rights of Deaf people and promoting linguistic diversity in Malta.
The Maltese Sign Language Council works to support and encourage the use of LSM in schools, media, public services, and the wider community, helping to make it more visible, accessible, and widely understood.
