Algerian Sign Language

A language of Algeria

ISO 639: asp
Alternate Names: LSA, Langue des signes algérienne, Lghh alesharh aljza’er
Population: 240,000 (2008 WFD). Federation National Des Sourds d’Algerie reports 240,000 deaf members (2008 WFD).
Location:: Scattered.
Language Status: 6a* (Vigorous).
Classification: Sign language, Deaf community sign language
Dialects: None known. Reported influence from Old French Sign Language (Abdelouafi 2018). LSA influenced the deaf community in Oujda in northern Morocco. Not the same as Unified Arabic Sign Language, an artificial system promoted by representatives of 18 Arabic-speaking countries (Rashdan 2016).
Language Development: Agency: Federation Nationale Des Sourds d’Algerie (FNSA).
Other Comments: 300 sign language interpreters (2008 WFD), but no system of qualifications. Muslim.

Location: Scattered.