Nicaraguan Sign Language

NCS

developing

Alternate Names: Idioma de Señas de Nicaragua

Dialects: None known. Unrelated to El Salvadoran ,, Costa Rican ,, or other sign languages.

Genealogy:

Deaf sign language

Demographics: 3,000 (1997 ANSNIC).

Language Use: Increasing use among hearing people. Users know little Spanish [spa].

Language Development: Taught in primary and secondary schools. Dictionary.

Nation of Origin: Nicaragua

Other Comments: There was no strong Nicaraguan deaf community until the late 1970s when Nicaraguan Sign Language emerged among deaf children from the increased focus on deaf education and the establishment of deaf schools.