Ethiopian Sign Language

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A language of Ethiopia

ISO 639-3
eth
Alternate Names
EthSL
Population

250,000 (2008 WFD). 1,000,000 (2005 Ethiopian National Association of the Deaf). Unknown number of isolated deaf in rural areas. 250,000 deaf (2008 WFD).

Location

Scattered.

Language Status

5 (Developing).

Classification
Sign language
Dialects

None known. Hossana School for the Deaf uses more indigenous signs than Addis Ababa, which has more influence from Amharic [amh]. Influence from Amharic [amh] in grammar and lexicon. Possible lexical influence from European sign languages, due to presence of foreign advisors.

Typology

One-handed fingerspelling (Amharic script).

Language Use

Some primary and secondary schools, university (B.A. level).

Language Development
New media. TV. Bible portions: 2011–2014. Agency: Ethiopian National Association of the Deaf (ENAD).
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Ethiopian Sign Language
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