There is a need for those using and studying sign languages to be in touch with one another and to have the possibility of exchanging information. An international conference serves that purpose as does a journal.
An international society has an additional task: it promotes contact on a more frequent basis.
For example:
- By having an electronic newsletter
- By ensuring a regular international conference
- By acting as a clearing house for enquiries
- By stimulating activities around sign languages and linguistics
The association which previously had these tasks (ISLA, founded in 1986) has been extinct for some time. The field definitely needs such an organization. The group of researchers in the Netherlands and Belgium is prepared to start up a new society.
Amongst other things the meeting at TISLR in September 2004 will cover
the mission of the society, the organisation such as web-site,
newsletter, link to the journals and the draft constitution.
| Anne Baker | Beppie van den Bogaerde |
| Onno Crasborn | Els van der Kooij |
| Joni Oyserman | Roland Pfau |
| Marijke Scheffener | Trude Schermer |
| Myriam Vermeerbergen |
