Nepalese Sign Language

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A language of Nepal

ISO 639-3
nsp
Alternate Names
Nepali Sign Language
Population

5,740 (2001 census). Most are monolingual.

Location

Central and east.

Language Status

5 (Developing).

Classification
Deaf sign language
Dialects

Developed from local and introduced signs. Related to Indian [ins] and Pakistan [pks] sign languages.

Language Use

Used by United States Peace Corps. All domains. All ages. Some comprehension of Nepali [npi] by those who have become literate.

Language Development
Taught in primary and secondary schools. Magazines. Films. TV. Videos. Dictionary.
Other Comments

The NFDH starts schools for the deaf in the larger towns. A few other smaller organizations also work with the deaf and have Nepali Sign Language classes for the hearing. Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, Christian.