jsl
Japanese Sign Language (日本手話, Nihon Shuwa), also known as JSL[2] or NS,[3] is the main sign language in Japan.
In 1878, the first school for the deaf was established in Kyoto.
In 1900, the Tokyo School for the Deaf (東京都立ろう学校, Tokyo ro-a gakko) was founded.
In 1948, Deaf children were required to attend school.[4]
In the late-20th century, Japanese sign language began to be recognized.[5]
The Japanese Federation of the Deaf is for those Japanese whose primary language is JSL.[6]
JSL has a friend in the Imperial family. Kiko, Princess Akishino has studied JSL and is a trained sign language interpreter.[7] She also signs in informal Deaf gatherings.[8]
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.[9]
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.
