Bolivian Sign Language
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A language of Bolivia
User Population
22,600 (2008 WFD). Approximately 0.24% of the total population in 2008.
Location
Scattered, especially Cochabamba, La Paz, and Santa Cruz departments; El Beni Department, Riberalta municipality.
Language Status
5 (Developing).
Dialects
Based on American Sign Language [ase], due to introduction by missionaries, with influence from Spanish (initialization and other types of borrowing). Some groups in La Paz and Santa Cruz incorporate some local signs from their own areas. There is evidence that Bolivian Sign Language is no more divergent from ASL [ase] than some dialects of ASL (Morgan 2004).
Language Use
Vigorous. Used by all. Also use Spanish [spa].
Language Development
Agency: Federación Boliviana de Sordos (FEDOS, Bolivian Federation of the Deaf).
Fourteen deaf primary schools (total communication), no education after primary. Approximately 10 sign language interpreters, all volunteer (2008 WFD). Christian.