Zimbabwe Sign Language in Zimbabwe

Sign Language is a visual language that uses handshapes, facial expressions, and body language to communicate.  It is used by Deaf/deaf and hard of hearing people to communicate with each other and with hearing people. CODAs- children of deaf adults also use Sign Language. In Zimbabwe, the history of Sign Language dates back to the 1950s, when the first school for the Deaf was established in Harare. The school used a unique Sign Language that was developed by the school's founder, a British missionary. This Sign Language became known as Zimbabwe Sign Language (ZSL). ZSL has its grammar, vocabulary, and syntax that are distinct from spoken languages like Shona and Ndebele. ZSL is a language in its own right not an extension of spoken languages and it has evolved over the years. Today, ZSL is recognized as an official language with 1,620 (0, 01%) mother-tongue users of ZSL in Zimbabwe and is used in education, government, and media. However, there is still a need for greater recognition and support to promote the use of ZSL and Deaf culture in Zimbabwean societies.