Japanese Sign Language
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A language of Japan
ISO 639-3
Alternate Names
JSL, NS, Nihon Shuwa, Shuwa, Temane
Population
317,000 (Van Cleve 1986).
Location
Scattered.
Language Status
5 (Developing).
Classification
Language Use
Vigorous. Over 95% of the deaf understand Japanese Sign Language. 107 deaf schools. The first school opened in Kyoto in 1878. All ages.
Language Development
TV.
Language Resources
‘Temane’ is the former name. Pidgin Signed Japanese is distinct, and used often in formal situations, lectures, speeches, and for interaction with hearing people. 80% of the deaf understand finger spelling.