Australian Aborigines Sign Language
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A language of Australia
ISO 639-3
Location
Scattered.
Language Status
6b (Threatened).
Classification
Dialects
None known. A collection of separate languages used by different aboriginal groups (e.g. Aranda, Warlpiri, Warumuŋu, Yolŋu), rather than just one language; only a few of these have been recognized separately in ISO 639-3, e.g. Miriwoong Sign Language [rsm], Yan-nhaŋu Sign Language [yhs], and Yolŋu Sign Language [ygs]. Not related to Auslan [asf].
Language Use
Used by hearing Aborigines as alternate form of communication with speakers of other languages, or when silence is required during periods of mourning or hunting. Several such sign languages are also used by deaf persons.
Language Resources