Latvian Sign Language

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A language of Latvia

Alternate Names
LZV, Latviešu Zīmju Valoda
User Population

2,000 (2021 EUD). Approximately 0.1%. Another estimate: 9,900 (2014 IMB).

Location

Scattered.

Language Status

5 (Developing). Recognized language (1999, Official Language Law, Section 3(3), 1999-09-12), Ensures development and use for communication with people of impaired hearing.

Typology

One-handed fingerspelling.

Language Use

Deaf associations. Deaf boarding schools in Riga and Valmiera. Used by all.

Language Development

Literature. TV. Theater. Videos. Dictionary. Grammar. Agency: Latvijas Nedzirdīgo savienība (Latvian Association of the Deaf, LNS).

Other Comments

Fingerspelling system similar to French Sign Language [fsl]. 41 working sign language interpreters (2021 EUD). Christian.