Ecuadorian Sign Language

Coastal, Sierra. The Coastal variety appears to be most influenced by the sign variety used in Guayaquil, while the Sierra variety is most influenced by the sign variety used in Quito. Ecuadorian deaf community reports variation based on age, older generation using Old Ecuadorian signs and younger generation using a combination of old Ecuadorian signs, American Sign Language [ase], and signs from Spain. All deaf Ecuadorians appear to be able to negotiate communication and understand each other. Roughly 50% of current Ecuadorian sign language is original to the country, 30% shows influence or borrowings from American Sign Language [ase], and 20% has ties to Spanish Sign Language [ssp]. Majority of deaf Ecuadorians feel that LSEC is unique and distinct from any other country’s sign language.