FrenchSignLanguage is a DeafSignLanguage of France. SIL code: FSL. ISO 639-2: sgn. Population: 50,000 to 100,000 primary users in France (1986 Gallaudet Univ.) 1,000 users of Marseille Sign Language (1975 Sallagooty). Population total both countries 50,000 to 100,000. Region: Southern FSL is used in Marseille, Toulon, La Ciotat, and Salon de Provence. Also spoken in Togo. Alternate names: LANGUE DES SIGNES FRANCAISE, LSF, FSL. Dialects: MARSEILLE SIGN LANGUAGE (SOUTHERN FRENCH SIGN LANGUAGE). Comments: Many sign languages have been influenced by this, but are not necessarily intelligible with it. Reported to be partially intelligible with sign languages from Austria, Czech Republic, and Italy, at least. 43% lexical similarity with American Sign Language in an 872-word list. First sign language in the western world to gain recognition as a language (1830). Originated in 1752. Sign languages were known in France in the 16th century, and probably earlier. Different from Signed French and Old French Sign Language. Also used in: Togo (Language name: FRENCH SIGN LANGUAGE, Alternate names: LANGUE DES SIGNES FRANCAISE, LSF). Comments: Taught in 1 school for the deaf in Togo.(extract from http://www.ethnologue.com/)
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