Venezuelan Sign Language

Print

Primary tabs

A language of Venezuela

ISO 639-3
vsl
Alternate Names
Lengua de Señas Venezolana
User Population

86,000 (2021 DBS/DOOR/SIL). Estimated 57,000–114,000 deaf signers, assuming 0.2%–0.4% of total population.

Location

Scattered.

Language Status

6a (Vigorous). Recognized language (1999, Constitution, Chapter 5, Article 81).

Classification
Sign language, Deaf community sign language
Dialects

None known. Sign language used in school is different from that used by adults outside.

Typology

Finger-spelling system.

Language Use

Schools for the deaf since 1937 which use sign language. Deaf people attend college with a sign language interpreter. Used by all. Also use Spanish [spa], due to national bilingual education program.

Language Development

Dictionary. Grammar. Agencies: Asociación de Sordomudos de Caracas; Federación Venezolana de Sordos.

Language Resources
OLAC resources in and about Venezuelan Sign Language