Honduras Sign Language
[aka LESHO]Classification: Sign Language
·threatened
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Threatened
60 percent certain, based on the evidence available
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"According to Dr. Jay Soper’s deaf population estimate (2008), Honduras may have had approximately 18 thousand deaf people in 2000. His estimate is based on a country’s gross domestic product to reflect the possible influence of health care access of each country. According to Logos International, a deaf ministry in Honduras, the deaf population estimate is 70 thousand. Other local workers state that there is an estimate of 100 deaf people in Choluteca and 200 deaf people in El Progreso. There are no estimates for other cities."
- DOMAINS OF USE
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- TRANSMISSION
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- MORE ON VITALITY
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"One deaf ministry states that there was no official sign language in Honduras until the last 5–10 years; therefore, many deaf adults do not know any sign language."
"In general, deaf Hondurans learn LESHO through deaf friends and family. Hearing people tend to learn LESHO through various classes and LESHO publications." - INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT
- Six main deaf educational centers in Tegucigalpa, deaf schools in Comayagua, Siguatepeque, San Pedro Sula, Juticalpa, El Progreso, Choluteca, La Ceiba, Danlí; Asociación Nacional de Sordos de Honduras, dictionary
- OTHER LANGUAGES USED BY THE COMMUNITY
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American Sign Language
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Spanish
- LANGUAGE CONTEXT COMMENTS
"In Tegucigalpa, [ANSH] offer four-month LESHO courses for 300L (about 16 USD) and scholarships are available for people with deaf family members."
- PLACES
- Honduras
- LOCATION DESCRIPTION
Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, throughout the country
- ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
"Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula are the two major deaf centers with the most services for the deaf community.