Sign langauge and hate speech: The potential pitfalls of iconic signs

Abstract

This chapter explores the ways in which some identity signifiers in sign language may be seen as examples of hate speech. The issue is considered by posing three questions: To what extent do iconic signs qualify as hate speech? In what way do iconic signs qualify as hate speech when observed by hearing nonsigners? How sufficient are the definitions in current legislation to address hate speech transgressions in sign language? Before these questions are dealt with individually, an overview of lexis in sign language explains what iconic signs are and how some are considered politically incorrect. This is followed by an outline of the criteria for hate speech in both the Equality Act and the Hate Speech Bill. The conclusion is that sign language, like any other language, falls within the ambit of the law. The existing legislative definitions and terminology include communication of a visual nature, placing signing Deaf people on par with everyone else.