Mexican Sign Language
Mexican Sign Language ("Lengua de Señas Mexicana" or LSM, also previously known by several other names), is a natural language that serves as the predominant language of the Deaf community in Mexico. LSM is a complete and organized visual language, which is expressed with the hands, face, and body, with its own distinct history, community, and culture. There are several dialects based on regional variation and LSM may be learned as a second language by hearing and Deaf signers. LSM is closely related to French Sign Language (LSF) and American Sign Language (ASL), although it is mutually unintelligible.
| Mexican Sign Language (LSM) | |
|---|---|
| Lengua de Señas Mexicana (LSM) | |
| Native to | Mexico |
| Region | Cities |
Native speakers | 130,000 (2010 projection) |
French Sign
| |
| Language codes | |
| ISO 639-3 | mfs |
| Glottolog | mexi1237 |
| ELP | Mexican Sign Language |
LSM originated in the mid-19th century following the establishment of the first school for the Deaf in Mexico City, Escuela Nacional de Sordomudos (ENS), in 1869. Deaf students at the school were instructed by educators using Old LSF, but also brought with them their own home signs and signing systems, which led to the formation of LSM.
The number of native LSM signers is estimated to be between 49,000 and 195,000 people. LSM is classified as vulnerable.