Nigerian Sign Language

A language of Nigeria

ISO 639: nsi
Alternate Names: NSL
Population: 800,000 (2021 DBS/DOOR/SIL). Estimated 600,000–1,000,000 deaf signers, based on 0.3%–0.5% of the general population.
Location:: Scattered.
Language Status: 5 (Developing).
Classification: Sign language, Deaf community sign language
Dialects: Western NSL (Lagos), Southern/southeastern NSL (Imo state). Related to American Sign Language (ASL) [ase] and Ghanaian Sign Language [gse]. Influence from spoken English [eng]. Incorporates many local and regional signs, enough that Nigerian Sign Language is now distinct from ASL (2015 E. Asonye). Incorporation of regional signs results in significant dialect differences between western Nigeria (Lagos and vicinity) vs. southern/southeastern regions, such as three deaf schools in Imo state (2015 E. Asonye).
Language Use: Used by all.
Language Development: Taught in primary and secondary schools. Bible portions: 2014.
Other Comments: Originated in 1960, developing out of deaf schools established by Deaf American educator Andrew Foster. Some classes in NSL for parents of deaf children (2015 E. Asonye).

Location: Scattered.