South African Sign Language

SFS

vigorous

Dialects: The North British sign system was used for the deaf in white English-speaking families. In 1881 a school for Afrikaans ,-speaking families began using British Sign Language ,. Several dialects are used unofficially in different schools. 9 sign language systems, 60% related to British Sign Language , or Australian sign languages ,, few to American Sign Language ,.

Genealogy:

Deaf sign language

Demographics: 235,000 (2011 census).

Language Use: Understood to some degree by most deaf people. Some interpreters provided in courts.

Nation of Origin: South Africa

Other Comments: First deaf school established about 1846. Now 29 schools for 4,000 children. There is a Signed Afrikaans as well.