Ban Khor Sign Language

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A language of Thailand

ISO 639-3
bfk
Alternate Names
BKSL, Pasa Kidd
User Population

400 (Nonaka 2009), all users. Conservative estimate: 15%–25% of the village signs to some extent. L1 users: 16 (Nonaka 2009). 16 deaf users, plus an unknown number of hearing L1 users.

Location

Lampang province: Ban Khor village.

Language Maps
Language Status

6a (Vigorous).

Classification
Sign language, Shared sign language
Dialects

None known. Not related to Thai Sign Language [tsq] or original sign languages of Thailand such as Chiangmai Sign Language [csd]. Other villages with high incidence of deafness are also reported in rural Thailand: Huay Hai, Plaa Pag, and Na Sai (Nonaka 2004).

Language Use

Used by all. Positive attitudes. Many also use Nyaw [nyw], especially hearing individuals (Nonaka 2009). Many also use Thai Sign Language [tsq], especially deaf children, who learn it at residential deaf schools.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Ban Khor Sign Language
Other Comments

Originated in the 1930s (Nonaka 2009). Since 2000, deaf villagers have increasing contact with Thai Sign Language [tsq] and the national deaf community, with frequent borrowing in all lexical domains and some code-switching. Hearing signers have less incentive to learn Thai Sign Language [tsq] and so are a conservative force slowing down the shift from Ban Khor Sign Language to Thai Sign Language [tsq] (Nonaka 2012).