Malagasy Sign Language

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A language of Madagascar

ISO 639-3
mzc
Alternate Names
Madagascar Sign Language
User Population

135,000 (2021 DBS/DOOR/SIL). Estimated 80,000–160,000, assuming 0.3%–0.6% of total population. Other estimates: 110,000 (2014 IMB); 170,000, assuming 1% (2014 Rajaonary Theodoric, World Association of Sign Language Interpreters).

Location

Scattered.

Language Status

5 (Developing).

Classification
Sign language, Deaf community sign language
Dialects

None known. Reportedly similar to Norwegian Sign Language [nsl], but this needs verification.

Language Use

Vigorous. Used by all.

Language Development

TV. Agency: Federation of the Deaf in Madagascar (FMM).

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

7 deaf schools sponsored by Evangelical Lutherans. 5 working sign language interpreters (2014 World Association of Sign Language Interpreters).