Peruvian Sign Language
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A language of Peru
Alternate Names
LSP, Lengua de Signos Peruana, Lenguaje de señas peruana, Lenguaje de señas peruano
User Population
98,000 (2021 DBS/DOOR/SIL). Estimated 65,000–130,000 deaf signers, assuming 0.2%–0.4% of total population.
Location
Scattered.
Language Status
5 (Developing).
Dialects
Variation in different geographical regions, between generations, and in different religious groups. Variety used in Lima is most prestigious. Signing associated with the Efata school mixes LSP with American Sign Language [ase] (Parks and Parks 2010).
Typology
Finger-spelling system.
Language Use
Used by all. Positive attitudes. Also use Spanish [spa].
Language Development
TV. Videos. Dictionary. Agency: Asociación de Sordos del Peru (ASP).
70 schools include help for the deaf. Of the 11 deaf-only schools, 9 use at least some Peruvian Sign Language; the other 2 are oral and only use Spanish. Sign language used inside school by hearing teachers is reportedly different from what the majority deaf community use. Even though the government tries to integrate deaf students into mainstream educational programs, deaf social gatherings keep Peruvian Sign Language strong. Two deaf villages, near Cusco and Iquitos, may have indigenous sign languages (Parks and Parks 2010).