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Martha's Vineyard Sign Language

North American Language Families

Martha's Vineyard Sign Language, or MVSL, was a village sign language once widely used on the island of Martha's Vineyard in the United States, from the early 18th century until 1952. It was used by both deaf and hearing members of the island community, so deafness was not a barrier to participation in public life, and deaf signers of the language were noted for their independence.

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