Finnish Sign Language

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A language of Finland

ISO 639-3
fse
Alternate Names
Viittomakieli
Population

5,000 (Van Cleve 1986). Ethnic population: 8,000.

Language Status

5 (Developing).

Classification
Deaf sign language
Dialects

2 major dialects from the Finnish (17 schools) and Swedish (1 school) communities. Apparent influence from Swedish Sign Language [swl] merged with local indigenous varieties. Not intelligible with Danish Sign Language [dsl].

Language Use

The government pays interpreters to accompany the deaf to hospitals, college, church, etc. Interpreters required in court. Instruction for parents of deaf children. Many classes for hearing people. Committee on national sign language.

Language Development
Films. TV. Videos. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible portions: 1989.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Finnish Sign Language
Other Comments

First deaf school founded 1850s. Signed Finnish is distinct, but used by some teachers of the deaf.