Puerto Rican Sign Language (PRSL)
In collaboration with: Vianka Zayas of “Aprende Señas con Vianka”
What is sign language?
It is a visual language with its own rules of grammar and syntax. The facial expressions, shape, placement, and movement of a person’s hands all play an important role in getting information across.
What is PRSL?
Puerto Rican Sign Language dates back to the 1900’s and is a dialect of American Sign Language (ASL). While most deaf and hard of hearing people use ASL on the island, there are signs that are unique to Puerto Rico.
Are all signed languages the same?
No. Like spoken languages, signed languages change over time and are not universal. This means that a signed language in a country like Japan will be different from Puerto Rican Sign Language or ASL.
What is the difference between deaf/Deaf?
The term “deaf” often refers to a person’s hearing difference. The term “Deaf” represents an identity with or connection to the Deaf community. How a deaf or hard of hearing person chooses to identify (deaf/Deaf) is up to them!
Can Deafblind people learn how to sign?
Yes! People who are DeafBlind communicate using many different languages and methods, such as tactile sign language, Protactile, Haptics, Tracking, Close vision, AAC and AT.
​
In Puerto Rico, the Department of Education's Deafblind Program provides services to students ages 0-21 and offers training, technical assistance, and resources for families and providers. For more information you can access this link.
I want to learn sign language, but where do I start?
Fortunately, there are several opportunities to learn sign language in Puerto Rico! Some of these include:
Colegio San Gabriel para Sordos
​
Does it matter if I learn sign language from a hearing person?
It is wonderful that you want to learn sign language. Many members of the Deaf community will encourage you to learn sign language from a person who is deaf or hard of hearing and a native signer. Why? They are able to share unique perspectives about Deaf culture, identity and life experiences with hearing technologies (if used).
If I sign with my child does that mean they will not learn to listen and/or speak?
No. Research has shown that our brains are able to develop both a visual and spoken language without harm to either. There are many benefits to bilingualism, such as building early communication with parents, developing cognitive abilities, gaining world knowledge, etc. (Grosjean, 2008 as cited in Gallaudet, 2018).
References
Colegio San Gabriel: Historia. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://csg.edu.pr/history.html
Williams, H., & Parks, E. (2012). The puerto rican deaf community. SIL International.
https://www.sil.org/system/files/reapdata/34/72/85/34728551201196591