Solomon Islands Sign Language

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A language of Solomon Islands

ISO 639-3
szs
Alternate Names
SISL
User Population

3,000 (2021 DBS/DOOR/SIL). Estimated 2,000–4,000 deaf signers, assuming 0.3%–0.6% of total population.

Location

Guadalcanal: Honiara and Aruligo (deaf village in San Isidro); scattered.

Language Maps
Language Status

6a (Vigorous).

Classification
Sign language, Deaf community sign language
Dialects

None known. Influence from surrounding spoken languages, such as Pijin [pis] on Guadalcanal island, and from Signed English and Auslan [asf], e.g., in mouth gestures and lexical items (2016 D. Adone).

Language Use

Vigorous. All domains. Used by all. Positive attitudes.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Solomon Islands Sign Language
Other Comments

There is a relatively high incidence of deafness due to diseases such as malaria, meningitis, rubella, and otitis media. Most deaf people are not literate (2016 D. Adone).