Page Type: languageInternational Sign | Ethnologue

ILS ISO 639-3

International Sign

A language of Italy

ISO 639
ils
Alternate Names
Gestuno, IS, International Sign Language
Population
No known L1 users (2015 A. Bickford). No native signers; learned by adults at international gatherings. Ethnic population: No ethnic community (2015 A. Bickford).
Location:
Scattered in many countries.
Language Status
9 (Second language only).
Classification
Sign language
Dialects
Not a full language, but rather a variable pidgin used for cross-linguistic communication, especially at international meetings such as those of the World Federation of the Deaf and the Deaflympics. The term ‘International Sign’ is used both broadly, for any signed communication between people from different sign languages, and more narrowly, for those semi-standardized forms that are used in international conferences. Distinct lexically from all specific sign languages, with considerable variation, as any instance of it depends on the location where it is being used and the languages of the interlocutors. In Western contexts, the vocabulary is drawn mostly from ASL [ase] and European sign languages. Facilitated by the fact that sign languages tend to share many grammatical structures. Until interlocutors negotiate a large enough shared vocabulary, tends to use more iconicity, circumlocution, redundancy, gesture and checks for comprehension than normal signing, and as a result, often has a slower rate of information flow. Its goal is is to accomplish communication rather than adhere to any specific grammatical or lexical standard. Fingerspelling system similar to French Sign Language [fsl].
Typology
One-handed fingerspelling.
Language Use
L2 users only.
Other Comments
The listing of International Sign under Italy is semi-arbitrary, but necessary since Ethnologue is organized by country.

Also Spoken in

Map

Location: Scattered in many countries.