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Spanish Sign Language
As the Spanish language varies from one Spanish-speaking country to another, there is a different Sign language for each Spanish speaking country. Or at least this happens for the biggest states-there is Columbian sign Language, a Mexican Sign Language- while smaller regions use American Sign Language.Most of the countries have sign language dictionaries, which have been published by the National Association of the Deaf.
There are three categories of Sign Language:
- DEAF SIGN LANGUAGES: these include the languages naturally developed by deaf people and which they use in everyday life. Sometimes, the deaf sign language is exclusively used within the Deaf Community or outside the classroom. In those countries where there is not a national institution for the Deaf, there have developed different regional dialects.
- CODE SYSTEM: this code aims to represent a spoken language through manual gesture. The Code system is often created by hearing people on the basis of the grammar, syntax and word order of the corresponding spoken language. These systems are used for pedagogical purposes in the schools, and only rarely by Deaf people outside the classroom.
- ALTERNATIVE SIGN LANGUAGES: they have nothing to do with Deaf Sign languages, as they are used by hearing people for specific purposes or in situations were speaking is forbidden.
Sign Language in Spain
A report issued by Gallaudet said that in 1986 there were 20,000 members of Deaf Associations. At important public events or in court, sign interpretation is often used. What is more, parents of deaf children may be taught sign language and there also is the possibility for hearing people to attend sign language classes.The different Sign Language dialects which have developed in Spain are intelligible between them, if we exclude the dialect of Catalonia.
The origin of Spanish Sign Language is unknown, but it is reported that there are influences from American, French, and Mexican sign languages.