Valencian Sign Language

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A language of Spain

ISO 639-3
vsv
Alternate Names
LSCV, LSPV, LSV, Lengua de Signos Valenciana, Llengua de Signes Valenciana, Llengua de Signes en la Comunitat Valenciana, Llengua de signes del País Valencià
User Population

6,000 (2014). Deaf sign language users, total for all three sign languages in Spain: 60,000–80,000 (2000 Instituto Nacional de Estadística), 100,000 (2019 EUD). Based on these numbers and proportions of total population in various regions in Spain, estimated 6,000–10,000 for LSV.

Location

Scattered in Valencia.

Language Status

6b (Threatened). Provincially recognized language in Valencia (2006, Law 1-2006, Autonomy Statute of Valencia, Article 13(4)).

Classification
Sign language, Deaf community sign language
Dialects

None known. Similar to Catalan Sign Language [csc] and Spanish Sign Language [ssp]. Fingerspelling system similar to French Sign Language [fsl].

Typology

One-handed fingerspelling.

Language Use

Deaf schools, plus many deaf children integrated in hearing schools, with widespread oralist emphasis. Many young adults arrive at deaf associations not knowing how to sign. Deaf who have travelled tend to understand the other sign languages in Spain but use their own (2017 S. Parkhurst). Some young people, all adults. Some young people, more widespread among deaf adults. Some also use Spanish [spa].

Language Development

TV. Videos. Dictionary. Grammar. Agency: Federación de Personas Sordas de la Comunidad Valenciana (FESORD).

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

Many sign language classes for hearing people. Materials for learning as L2. Few parents actually learn to sign. (2014 S. Parkhurst). Christian.