Filipino Sign Language

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A language of Philippines

ISO 639-3
psp
Alternate Names
FSL, Local Sign Language, Philippine Sign Language
User Population

540,000 (2021 DBS/DOOR/SIL). Estimated 325,000–650,000 deaf signers, assuming 0.3%–0.5% of the total population. Another estimate: 121,000 (2008 WFD).

Location

Scattered.

Language Status

5 (Developing). Recognized language (2018, Republic Act, No. 11106), Recognized as the national sign language of the deaf, with a mandate for use in education, the courts, public services, broadcast media, and workplaces, and standards for the interpreting profession.

Classification
Sign language, Deaf community sign language
Language Use

Total communication used in deaf schools, with teachers both speaking and signing. Used by all. Many also use American Sign Language [ase].

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

Very similar to American Sign Language (ASL) [ase], which was introduced especially by the United States Peace Corps. However, the two varieties are generally regarded by deaf people in the Philippines as distinct languages. Both are in use as a normal means of communication, with a lot of bilingualism. Deaf schools vary as to which they prefer.