Cuban Sign Language

A language of Cuba

ISO 639: csf
Alternate Names: Cuba Sign Language, LSC, LSCu, Lengua de señas cubana, Lengua de señas cubanas
Population: 34,000 (2021 DBS/DOOR/SIL). Estimated 22,000–45,000 deaf signers, assuming 0.2%–0.4% of the total population. Other estimates vary: 19,000 users (Garau Cordovés 2012); 23,600 (2008 WFD); 109,000 deaf (2019 IMB).
Location:: Scattered.
Language Status: 5 (Developing).
Classification: Sign language, Deaf community sign language
Language Use: Vigorous. Used by all. Also use Spanish [spa].
Language Development: Dictionary. Agency: Asociación Nacional de Sordos de Cuba (ANSOC), Centro Nacional de Superación y Desarrollo del Sordo (CENDSOR).
Other Comments: First deaf school established in 1906, with some early ASL influence. Oralist education through most of the 20th century, during which time LSC developed (Braithwaite 2017). LSC introduced in schools in 1994 (Garau Cordovés 2012; 2019 J. Tomayo). Currently 17 schools, one per province and three in Havana, with some classes for hearing parents with deaf children (2019 J. Tomayo).

Location: Scattered.