| Yugoslav Sign Language | |
|---|---|
| Bosnian Sign Language Croatian Sign Language Macedonian Sign Language Serbian Sign Language Slovenian Sign Language | |
| Native to | Bosnia and Herzegovina,Croatia,Montenegro,North Macedonia,Serbia,Slovenia |
Native speakers | ca. 23,000 (2010–2014)[1] |
French Sign
| |
| Dialects |
|
| Language codes | |
| ISO 639-3 | ysl – inclusive codeIndividual code: csq – Croatian SL |
| Glottolog | yugo1239 |
Thedeaf sign language of the nations of theformer Yugoslavia, known variously asCroatian Sign Language,Kosovar Sign Language,Serbian Sign Language,Bosnian Sign Language,Macedonian Sign Language,Slovenian Sign Language, orYugoslav Sign Language (YSL), started off when children were sent to schools for the deaf inAustro-Hungary in the early 19th century.[2] The first two local schools opened in 1840 inSlovenia and in 1885 inCroatia.[citation needed]
Dialectical distinctions remain between the varieties of the language, with separate (as well as unified) dictionaries being published. These varieties are reported to be mutually intelligible, but the actual amount of variation, and the degree to which the varieties should be considered one language or separate languages, has not been systematically assessed; nor is much known about the sign language situation in these Balkan states.[3]
Atwo-handed manual alphabet is in widespread use; a one-handed alphabet based on theAmerican manual alphabet, though less commonly used, has official status.[2][where?]
InBosnia and Herzegovina, the deaf have the same language rights with sign language as the hearing do with oral language. Interpreters must be provided for deaf people dealing with government bodies, and government television broadcasts must be translated into sign language. A Commission for the Sign Language is composed of members representing education, linguistics/pedagogy, and the three constituent nations of Bosnia.[4] By law,Croatian Radiotelevision is to promote the translation of programs into sign language.[5]
