, also known as JSL or NS, is the main sign language in Japan.
History
In 1878, the first school for the deaf was established in Kyoto.
In 1900, the was founded.
In 1948, Deaf children were required to attend school.
In the late-20th century, Japanese sign language began to be recognized.
The Japanese Federation of the Deaf is for those Japanese whose primary language is JSL.
JSL has a friend in the Imperial family. Kiko, Princess Akishino has studied JSL and is a trained sign language interpreter. She also signs in informal Deaf gatherings.
In 2006, the Japanese government amended the "Supporting Independence of People with Disabilities Act." The new language in the law encourages local governments to increase the number and use of JSL interpreters.
Elements of Japanese Sign Language (JSL) As in other sign languages, JSL (usually called simply 手話 shuwa, "hand talk") consists of words, or signs, and the grammar with which they are put together.
Examples of JSL signs
References
Further reading
Monaghan, Leila Frances. (2003). Many Ways to be Deaf: International Variation in Deaf Communities. Washington, D.C.: Gallaudet University Press. ; OCLC 248814292 Nakamura, Karen. (2006). Deaf in Japan: Signing and the Politics of Identity. Ithaca: Cornell University Press. ; ; OCLC 238810838
Other websites
Japanese Association of Sign Linguistics (JASL) 手話教室 (online JSL lessons and dictionary, in Japanese) Online JSL dictionaries Kyoto Prefectural Education Center Website with explanations in English