Native to Republic of Macedonia ISO 639-3 None (mis) | Language family unknown Glottolog None | |
Native speakers 6,000 have requested signed news on television | ||
The Macedonian sign language (Macedonian: македонски знаковен јазик makedonski znakoven jazik or македонски гестовен јазик makedonski gestoven jazik) is the sign language of the deaf community in Macedonia. As all sign languages, the Macedonian sign language is also based on gestures and body movements, particularly movements with the hands. The precise number of signers in Macedonia is not known, but 6,000 people request signed news on Macedonian television. The learning and the usage of the language, as well as the rights of the deaf community in Macedonia are regulated by a national law.
Contents
Alphabet
The Macedonian sign alphabet is a system of signs used by the Macedonian sign language. The alphabet is made of 31 sign, which is equal to the 31 sound of the Macedonian language. Each letter has its own sign. There are two types of the alphabet; alphabet expressed with one hand and alphabet expressed with two hands.
Regulation
The Macedonian Sign language is regulated by a national law on 21 August 2009. The Macedonian law defines it as following:
The Sign language, according to this law, is recognized as a natural way of communication, equal to the oral communication. The Sign language is a language that is used for mutual understanding between the people with hearing impairment, i.e. it is a natural means of communication among these and other physical and juridical people. The language is a visual system of signs, that understands special positions, directions and movements of hands and fingers and mimicry on the face.
However, the law includes several things, such as: defining the language itself, the rights of the deaf people of Macedonia, studying the language and preparing adequate interpreters, it defines the tasks of the National Association of Deaf People of Macedonia and its financing and it secures proper implementation of the right of the deaf people. Basically, each individual is allowed to request a Sign language interpreter and the institution where such request has been made, or the individual itself, is obliged to find one.