Ecuadorian Sign LanguagePrint 188,000 (Van Cleve 1986). Coastal,
Sierra. The Coastal variety appears to be most influenced by the
sign variety used in Guayaquil, while the Sierra variety is most
influenced by the sign variety used in Quito. Ecuadorian deaf
community reports variation based on age, older generation using
Old Ecuadorian signs and younger generation using a combination
of old Ecuadorian signs, American Sign Language [ase], and signs
from Spain. All deaf Ecuadorians appear to be able to negotiate
communication and understand each other. Roughly 50% of current
Ecuadorian sign language is original to the country, 30% shows
influence or borrowings from American Sign Language [ase], and
20% has ties to Spanish Sign Language [ssp]. Majority of deaf
Ecuadorians feel that LSEC is unique and distinct from any other
country’s sign language. LSEC is the preferred language, but
Spanish literacy for access to mainstream society and employment
is valued. All domains. All ages. Ecuadorian Sign Language has
the