The aim of the project is to develop a common basis for studying the sign languages of Europe in accordance with the guidelines of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Thanks to the Framework - http://www.coe.int/T/DG4/Portfolio/documents/Framework_EN.pdf - the Directives for learning and teaching languages in the European Union (EU) have been unified. A set of language levels has been developed in the Framework, making it easier to standardise all the various qualifications. These levels are:Level A: Basic speaker; A1: Breakthrough; A2: Waystage.Level B: Independent speaker; B1: Threshold; B2: Vantage.Level C: Proficient speaker; C1: Effective Operational Proficiency; C2: Mastery.Few European countries have adopted the Common European Framework for teaching and learning sign languages. SIGNLEF's basic aim is to promote the awareness, teaching and learning of the sign languages of each participating country, thereby supporting linguistic diversity in the EU and helping to improve the quality of the structures and systems involved in language teaching. The result of this should be greater respect and similar treatment for sign languages in Europe, the strengthening of users' rights as citizens and improved access to equal opportunities. The project is expected to be completed in three years. The sign language framework for basic user levels A1 and A2 for each of the partners - Catalonia, Austria and Italy - will be drawn up during the first year. This will be followed by independent user levels B1 and B2 in the second year and proficient user levels C1 and C2 in the third. The end result will be three printed manuals with accompanying DVDs containing the grammar rules and practice exercises for teaching and learning each level of the written and sign languages of each partner.