The following is the entry for this language as it appeared in the 14th edition (2000).
It was superseded by the corresponding entry in the 15th edition (2005). See also the corresponding entry in the current edition of Ethnologue.
SIL code: ISG
ISO 639-2: sgn
| Population | No estimate available. |
| Region | Dublin and elsewhere. |
| Classification | Deaf sign language. |
| Comments | In 1816 British signs were brought in. In 1846 Irish signs developed in the girls' school, in 1857 Irish signs brought into the boys' school. Related to French Sign Language. There are informal male and female sign systems. Females learn the male system during dating and marriage. The informal system is referred to as 'Deaf Sign Language'. Irish Sign Language is a new unified system, a manual code for English. It has structural features such as directional verbs. It has influenced sign languages in South Africa and Australia. It originated between 1846-1849. Several deaf schools with 750 to 800 students in each. There is a committee on national sign language, and an organization for sign language teachers. TV. |
