Tanzanian Sign Language

A language of Tanzania

ISO 639: tza
Alternate Names: LAT, Lugha ya Alama ya Tanzania
Population: 290,000 (2021 DBS/DOOR/SIL). Estimated 175,000–350,000 deaf signers, assuming 0.3%–0.6% of the total population. Another estimate: 278,000 deaf signers (2008 WFD).
Location:: Scattered, mainly in urban areas.
Language Status: 5 (Developing).
Classification: Sign language, Deaf community sign language
Dialects: None known. There are reports of significant differences in two regions of the country: around Tabora (location of the first deaf school) and the Moshi-Kilimanjaro region; the extent of the differences have not been determined. Distinct from sign languages in surrounding countries.
Language Use: All domains. Used by all.
Language Development: Primary schools for deaf children since 1963. Dictionary. Bible portions: 2011–2014. Agency: Tanzania Association of the Deaf.
Other Comments: Historically, schools for the deaf used different sign languages, and some schools teach only speech and lip-reading. More recently, Tanzanian Sign Language was standardized by the Tanzania Association for the Deaf which is attempting to use it in most schools for the deaf.

Location: Scattered, mainly in urban areas.