Introduction / History

There are 23,000 people who use or would use Bolivian Sign Language (LSB) if they were in contact with other sign language users (or 0.25% of the population). Modern Bolivian Sign Language traces its start to the 70s involving American missionaries; since then, it has overtaken any sign language that had been used previously in Bolivia and has been contextualized by adding local signs. According to a study comparing LSB to various dialects of American Sign Language in a variety of USA states, LSB is a member of the ASL family of languages. It was found that on average, LSB was more closely related to a majority of other ASL dialects than some ASL dialects were to each other.

Some signs have been contextualized to Spanish; for example, the ASL word for 'church' has the sign for the letter 'C' tapping the back of the hand. In LSB, this is changed to the letter 'I' instead since the Spanish word for 'church' is Iglesia.

What Are Their Lives Like?

There are a large number of clubs, associations and other groups the Deaf have organized. These are active in major cities throughout Bolivia.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Like most people in Bolivia, the Deaf are Roman Catholic. However, because most church thought is taught orally, it s common for a Deaf person to have a superficial understanding of Jesus Christ.

What Are Their Needs?

Only 1.6% of LSB speakers have been incorporated into educational or work settings. Since Bolivia is one of the poorest and least developed countries in South America, it can be assumed that the Deaf are among these poorest and among the 60% of the population estimated to be below the poverty level.

Prayer Items

Pray for the Deaf in Bolivia to have a full understanding the gospel and the Prince of Peace.
Pray there will soon come a day when the Deaf in Bolivia disciple others.
Pray for the Lord to raise up evangelists and disciplers among the Deaf in Bolivia.

Scripture Prayers for the Deaf in Bolivia.

References

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