Solomon Islands Sign Language

A language of Solomon Islands

ISO 639: szs
Alternate Names: SISL
Population: 3,000 (2021 DBS/DOOR/SIL). Estimated 2,000–4,000 deaf signers, assuming 0.3%–0.6% of total population.
Location:: Guadalcanal: Honiara and Aruligo (deaf village in San Isidro); scattered.
Language Status: 6a (Vigorous).
Classification: Sign language, Deaf community sign language
Dialects: None known. Influence from surrounding spoken languages, such as Pijin [pis] on Guadalcanal island, and from Signed English and Auslan [asf], e.g., in mouth gestures and lexical items (2016 D. Adone).
Language Use: Vigorous. All domains. Used by all. Positive attitudes.
Other Comments: There is a relatively high incidence of deafness due to diseases such as malaria, meningitis, rubella, and otitis media. Most deaf people are not literate (2016 D. Adone).

Location: Guadalcanal: Honiara and Aruligo (deaf village in San Isidro); scattered.