Bolivian Sign Language
Classification: Sign Language
·threatened
-
Threatened
40 percent certain, based on the evidence available
-
100-999
-
23,000 (estimated)
-
"The Ethnologue reports 350 to 400 users of this sign language living in Cochabomba, La Paz, Riberalta, and Santa Cruz.... The number of sign language users reported in the Ethnologue is based on research from 1988 (20 years old). The current number of LSB users is likely to be significantly higher."
- DOMAINS OF USE
-
- MORE ON VITALITY
-
"...there are a significant number of schools, associations, and clubs spread throughout the country. The number of deaf signers that attend these schools or meetings is not known, however, the fact that the Bolivian Federation for the Deaf (FEBOS) was able to mobilize approximately 1000 people for a celebration on the World Day of the Deaf is impressive and a good indicator of potential vitality."
- INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT
- About a dozen schools with services for deaf students; many active deaf associations; Primero Libro de Señas en Bolivia (First Book of Signs in Bolivia) published by the Bolivian Ministry of Education and Culture (1992)
- PLACES
- Bolivia
- LOCATION DESCRIPTION
Throughout the country, especially in cities
- ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
"The majority of deaf people are found in the larger cities, like the ones previously identified: La Paz, Santa Cruz, Cochabamba, El Alto, Oruro, and Sucre. Other cities and towns also have deaf populations, as evidenced by schools for the deaf, deaf organizations, or informal gatherings of the deaf. Some of those locations are: Trinidad, Tarija, Potosí, and Chuquisaca."