Music sign language: comparing the United States and France
Music sign language, or the interpretation of songs in sign language, is an art and an essential practice to make music accessible to Deaf and hard of hearing people. In the United States, it has been part of major concerts since the 1990s. In France, it has only started to spread in the last few years. This difference reflects distinct visions and practices of accessibility in the two countries. In this article, we explore the origins, the stakes and the evolution of music sign language in France and in the United States, and look at the challenges and opportunities for this form of artistic expression to keep growing.
1) Music sign language in the United States: a well-established practice
The United States, a pioneer in accessibility, saw music sign language take root in the 1990s. Several factors explain this:
Strong accessibility legislation : the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), passed in 1990, sets strict accessibility obligations for public places, including cultural events such as concerts. This law pushed organisers to include sign language interpreters to ensure inclusion.
A culture of inclusion and representation : awareness of Deaf people's rights is more deeply rooted in American culture. The American Deaf community, especially the community that uses American Sign Language (ASL), is known for its strong cultural identity and its activism. Music sign language has become a way to make music and art accessible while promoting Deaf culture.
An art in its own right : in the United States, music sign language is seen as an artistic performance, just like singing or dancing. Sign-song interpreters often work with the artists, take part in the staging and create visual interpretations of the music that resonate with Deaf and hearing audiences alike. Interpreters such as Amber Galloway Gallego, who became famous for interpreting songs in ASL at festivals and rap concerts, have greatly helped to make music sign language popular.
2) Music sign language in France: a recent development
In France, music sign language emerged more recently. Initiatives are multiplying, but the road to making the practice widespread is still ongoing.
No specific legislation : unlike the United States, France has no law similar to the ADA that would require cultural events to be accessible.
Although some laws protect the rights of people with disabilities, the obligations are less strict, and concert accessibility has not always been a priority.
Recent awareness : French Sign Language (LSF) was recognised as a language in its own right in 2005. This late recognition left little room for music sign language as an artistic discipline until recently. However, in recent years, movements for cultural accessibility and awareness of the needs of Deaf and hard of hearing people have grown, driven by associations, activists and sign-song artists.
An art under construction : in France, music sign language is still often seen as a simple translation of lyrics. However, Deaf and hearing artists are working to change this view by developing a real artistic approach.
Festivals such as the "Clin d'Oeil" festival in Reims offer performances where sign language is used to express music in a creative and immersive way.
3) Challenges and opportunities for music sign language in France
The development of music sign language in France is nevertheless on a positive path:
Better awareness among music professionals : more and more artists, concert venues and festivals call on sign-song interpreters to make concerts accessible.
Developing partnerships : associations that campaign for Deaf people's rights work with festivals and organisers to include music sign language in cultural programmes.
By strengthening awareness initiatives, adapting training and working with cultural players, France could make music sign language a more common and essential practice.
The development of music sign language on both sides of the Atlantic shows that cultural accessibility is not only a question of inclusion, but also an enrichment of live performance, celebrating everyone's linguistic and emotional diversity.
