Penang Sign Language

Demographics: 1,000, decreasing. 150 monolinguals. Ethnic population: 2,000.

Language Use: Home. Mainly older adults. Neutral attitudes. Also use Malaysian Sign Language [xml].

Language Development: Literacy rate in L1: 0%. Literacy rate in L2: Up to 50% in English.

Writing System: Unwritten

Nation of Origin: Malaysia

Other Comments: Deaf school established 1954, with only oral method. Sign language evolved outside the classroom. Use declined late 1970s due to spread of other sign languages.