[sw-l] Who uses ASL?

[dparvaz at MAC.COM]

I can't be too sure, but Puerto Rico uses ASL *now*. My understanding 
is that a separate PRSL did exist but a school for the deaf set up by 
missionaries made short work of that. Unintentionally, of course. All 
I've seen of Singaporean SL makes it look identical to some kind of 
ASL.

This has been an issue, particularly where Peace Corps volunteers have 
gone in to work with the Deaf. It's a combination of the volunteers not 
learning the autochthonous SL, combined with the locals wanting to 
learn a -- and I'm being ironic here -- "better" SL (meaning one that 
will give the access to US culture, life, etc.).

Cheers,

-Dan.


On Jan 23, 2005, at 3:02 PM, Deaf Action Committee wrote:

> SignWriting List
> January 23, 2005
>
>> Hi, my name is Rachael Harris.  I read your email which stated that 
>> asl is only used in America and english speaking parts of Canada.  
>> Well, for the past few years I have been living in the Dominican 
>> Republic and working among the deaf population there.  Asl is taught 
>> in all the schools there, the same as it is in America.  I was 
>> wondering if there are any other countries that use asl.  My friend 
>> and I are interested in going abroad to live and work among a deaf 
>> community in another country, but i'm not sure which other countries 
>> use asl.  Your reply will be greatly appreciated.  Thank-you.
>> My email address is Islegirl_1980 at hotmail.com
>
>
> Who uses ASL?
> 1. USA
> 2. English-speaking Canada
> 3. Dominican Republic
>
> Any more countries?...I need to know too, as well as Rachael 
> above...Val ;-)
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