Colombian Sign Language

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A language of Colombia

ISO 639-3
csn
Alternate Names
LSC, Lengua de señas colombiana, Lengua manual colombiana
User Population

151,000 (2021 DBS/DOOR/SIL). Estimated 101,000–201,000 deaf signers, assuming 0.2%–0.4% of the general population.

Location

Scattered.

Language Status

5 (Developing). Recognized language (2005, Presidential Law 982).

Classification
Sign language, Deaf community sign language
Dialects

Southwest (Cali), Central (Bogotá-Eje cafetero), North (Caribe). Some signs reportedly similar to those in sign languages of El Salvador, Spain, and the United States.

Typology

One-handed fingerspelling system derived from French Sign Language [fsl].

Language Use

Used by half of school-age deaf children. Also use Spanish [spa].

Language Development

At least 4 deaf schools (starting in 1924), 2 in Bogotá and 2 in Medellín; 3 other deaf institutions. Organization for sign language teachers. TV. Dictionary. Grammar. Bible portions: 2006. Agencies: Federación de Sordos de Colombia (FENASCOL); Instituto Nacional para Sordos (INSOR).

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

Began sometime after 1924. Some schools use sign language in the classroom. Interpreters provided at important public events and for college students. Many sign language classes for hearing people. Relatively little research.