Armenian Sign Language

Print

Primary tabs

A language of Armenia

ISO 639-3
aen
Alternate Names
ArSL, Hayeren žesteri lezow, HŽL
User Population

3,150 (2008 WFD). Approximately 0.1% of total population. Another estimate: 16,000 (2021 IMB).

Location

Scattered.

Language Status

6a (Vigorous).

Classification
Sign language, Deaf community sign language
Dialects

None known. Similar to Russian Sign Language (RSL) [rsl], and sometimes even called ‘Russian Sign Language’. However, only about 50% of respondents in a survey understood videos from Russia in RSL well, and signers from Russia did not understand conversations among Armenian deaf. However, children in one deaf school appear to be bilingual in both languages, because they study RSL in school (2020 N. Andrianova). There are substantial lexical differences between Armenian SL and Russian SL [rsl] as used in Russia. Older people tend to use more Russian signs, since they studied in Russia (2020 N. Andrianova).

Typology

One-handed fingerspelling system (for Armenian script).

Language Use

Vigorous. Home, Community; Mixed use: Education, Work. Used by all. Some also use Armenian [hye], primarily written. Some also use Russian [rus], primarily written. Some also use Russian Sign Language [rsl]. RSL taught in at least one school. Used as L2 by Russian Sign Language [rsl].

Language Development

Dictionary. Agency: Hayastani Khuleri Miavorman (Armenian Deaf Association): committees for sign language research, interpreting, and education (2008 WFD).

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Armenian Sign Language
Other Comments

Both Armenian SL and Russian SL [rsl] are present in Armenia, and usually not clearly distinguished, but there are substantial differences between them. Three deaf schools (2020 N. Andrianova). Younger deaf people fingerspell Armenian rather than Russian. Five sign language interpreters, employed by the Armenian Deaf Association. Interpreted news and children’s programming on television. No government support (2008 WFD). Christian.