Maritime Sign Language
[aka Nova Scotian Sign Language,]Classification: Sign Language
·critically endangered
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Critically endangered
60 percent certain, based on the evidence available
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<100
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"Although the majority of Canada's Deaf population currently uses American Sign Language (ASL), some Deaf people continue to use MSL, which is thought to stem from British Sign Language (BSL). ASL is quickly encroaching on MSL and is now the dominant language for Deaf people in the provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. There are an estimated fewer than 100 MSL users."
- TRANSMISSION
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- MORE ON VITALITY
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"[In 1961] the Deaf community was divided according to age and geographic location. There was no intergenerational contact between Deaf people, and therefore, no transmission of MSL language or culture. Deaf students had little exposure to MSL and MSL users."
- SPEAKER ATTITUDE
- Positive, loyal
- OTHER LANGUAGES USED BY THE COMMUNITY
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American Sign Language
- LANGUAGE CONTEXT COMMENTS
"In Nova Scotia, some MSL users consciously chose to adopt ASL; for others it was a gradual and naturally occurring process.... Increased exposure through television and interpretation in ASL and increased face-to-face interaction with ASL users played a role."