Bolivian Sign Language

Facts

  • Language: Bolivian Sign Language
  • Alternate names:
  • Language code: bvl
  • Language family: Deaf sign language (SIL classification)
  • Number of speakers:
  • Vulnerability: Threatened
  • Script:

More information:

    Originated by missionaries. Other deaf schools use only the oralist approach.

    There is evidence that Bolivian Sign Language is no more divergent from ASL than some dialects of ASL. "According to the Hursts’ (2002) research, there may be two distinct sign languages used in Bolivia. One of them, introduced by missionaries in 1973, is based on ASL and has incorporated local indigenous signs. This form of ASL was introduced in Cochabamba and has likely spread to other areas. Another pre-existing sign language may also be present; the Hursts reported that this other sign language may be used in Catholic circles and in La Paz." (Holbrook 2009)