Spanish Sign Language

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A language of Spain

ISO 639-3
ssp
Alternate Names
Mímica
Population

102,000 (1994). 20,000 members of deaf associations (Van Cleve 1986).

Language Status

5 (Developing).

Classification
Deaf sign language
Dialects

Small differences throughout Spain with no difficulties in intercommunication, except in Catalonia. Origin unknown, but reportedly influences from American [ase], French [fsl], and Mexican [mfs] sign languages.

Language Use

Interpreters used in court and important public events. Instruction for parents of deaf children. Many sign language classes for hearing people. Committee on national sign language.

Language Development
Literacy rate in L2: 20%–30%. Films. TV. Videos. Dictionary.
Writing
SignWriting.
Other Comments

Manual spelling system.