Nicaraguan Sign Language

Print

Primary tabs

A language of Nicaragua

ISO 639-3
ncs
Alternate Names
Idioma de Señas de Nicaragua
Population

3,000 (1997 ANSNIC).

Location

Scattered, especially Managua.

Language Status

5 (Developing).

Classification
Deaf sign language
Dialects

None known. Unrelated to El Salvadoran [esn], Costa Rican [csr], or other sign languages.

Language Use

Increasing use among hearing people. Users know little Spanish [spa].

Language Development
Taught in primary and secondary schools. Dictionary.
Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Nicaraguan Sign Language
Other Comments

There was no strong Nicaraguan deaf community until the late 1970s when Nicaraguan Sign Language emerged among deaf children from the increased focus on deaf education and the establishment of deaf schools.