Bhutanese Sign Language
This article will address Bhutanese Sign Language, a topic of great relevance today that has generated a wide debate in different areas. Bhutanese Sign Language is a complex topic that has attracted the attention of experts, scholars and even the general public, due to its impact on society. Along these lines, Bhutanese Sign Language will be analyzed in detail, exploring its different facets, its evolution over time and the implications it has on people's lives. In addition, different points of view regarding Bhutanese Sign Language will be reviewed, in order to offer a comprehensive view of this topic and encourage an enriching debate.
| Bhutanese Sign Language | |
|---|---|
| BhSL, Drukgi Lagdai Khakay | |
| Native to | Bhutan |
unclassified | |
| Language codes | |
| ISO 639-3 | (dyl is proposed[1]) |
| Glottolog | bhut1234 |
Bhutanese Sign Language (BhSL; Drukgi Lagdai Khakay in Dzongkha[native script needed]) is the indigenous sign language of Bhutan, used especially at the Wangsel Institute for the Deaf, Paro, Bhutan.
Bhutan set up the program for the deaf in a hearing school in Thimphu ca. 2000, and the first dedicated school, in Paro, was approved in 2013.[2] Part of government funding for deaf education includes developing Bhutanese Sign Language as the language of instruction. Development includes at least creating vocabulary for technical subjects,[3] and deciding on which regional signs to use where they differ.[4]
It is not clear if there are multiple sign languages in Bhutan, or merely local differences in vocabulary. It is unknown whether Bhutanese Sign Language is related to Indian Sign Language or Nepali Sign Language.[5]
References
- ^ "Change Request Documentation: 2025-004". ISO 639-3. Retrieved 2 June 2025.
- ^ "Gallaudet Alumna Helps Set Course for Deaf Education in Bhutan". Gallaudet University. Archived from the original on 2015-02-19. Retrieved 2015-02-19.
- ^ "Consultancy: Research, Bhutanese Sign Language". Georgem. Archived from the original on 2015-04-25. Retrieved 2015-02-19.
- ^ "Bhutan to Begin Deaf Education". Deaf Today. 19 May 2003. Archived from the original on 2015-02-19. Retrieved 2015-02-19.
- ^ "The Deaf Community of India" (PDF). 2012. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2015-02-19. Retrieved 2015-02-19 – via Joshua Project.
Relevant literature
- Hofer, Theresia (forthcoming) 'Signed Languages in the Greater Himalayas and Tibet' In: Hildebrandt, K.; Modi, Yankee; Peterson, David and Hi. Suzuki (Eds.) The Oxford Guide to Tibeto-Burman Languages. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
