Nepalese Sign Language
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A language of Nepal
Alternate Names
Nepali Sign Language, NpSL
User Population
20,000 (2014 NDFN). Approximately 20,000 deaf signers, less than 0.1% of total population; estimated 300,000 total deaf (2014 NDFN).
Location
Scattered.
Language Status
5 (Developing).
Dialects
Kathmandu, Pokhara. Developed from local and introduced signs. Related to other sign languages in south Asia; see comments on Indian Sign Language [ins] in India.
Language Use
Has been used on the floor of the national legislature by a deaf member. All domains. Used by all. Some also use Nepali [npi], passively by those who have become literate, especially in urban areas.
Language Development
Taught in primary and secondary schools. Periodicals. TV. Videos. Dictionary. Agencies: The Nepali Federation of the Deaf (NFDH); National Federation of the Deaf Nepal (NDFN).
First deaf school in 1967. Although oralist, NpSL appears to have developed there, then spread through the country as other schools were established (Hurlbut 2012). Approximately 20 NSL interpreters, most working under the NDFN or its member organizations. Hindu, Buddhist.