Zimbabwe Sign Language

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A language of Zimbabwe

ISO 639-3
zib
Alternate Names
Zimsign
User Population

73,000 (2021 DBS/DOOR/SIL). Estimated 44,000–88,000, assuming 0.3%–0.6% of the total population. However, there are 280,000 deaf members reported for the Zimbabwe National Association of the Deaf (2008 WFD), which is almost 2%.

Location

Mashonaland Central province: Muzarabani district, Centenary area.

Language Status

5 (Developing). Recognized language (2010, Constitution, Article 6(1)).

Classification
Sign language, Deaf community sign language
Dialects

Zimbabwe School Sign, Masvingo School Sign, Zimbabwe Community Sign. Signing varies significantly in different schools. Masvingo sign language is different from that used in other schools. School languages differ from those used by adults outside. Inherent intelligibility unclear. Dictionary publication intended to bring standardization. Possible influence from several European sign languages. Fingerspelling system similar to French Sign Language [fsl].

Typology

One-handed fingerspelling.

Language Use

Primary schools for deaf children since 1940s. Also secondary schools (2008 WFD). Deaf associations. Used by all. Also use English [eng], in written form, but literacy in it is generally limited. Also use Shona [sna], especially those from Masvingo, but with limited literacy.

Language Development

TV. Dictionary. Agencies: Zimbabwe National Association of the Deaf (ZIMNAD); Association of the Deaf (ASSOD); King George VI School and Centre, Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa (OSISA).

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

15 interpreters, trained by Zimbabwe National Association of the Deaf (2008 WFD).