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UFSS1504/UFSS1522 Sign Language WebinarDepartment of South African Sign Language and Deaf StudiesPresenters: Susan Lombaard & Emily Matabane
It is a visual-gestural language that is perceived through the eyes (visually).
Rule-governed like all languages – own structure not linked to spoken language
5 parameters are used to produce a sign.Handform (shape of your hand – usually one of the alphabet letters) Location (Place where the sign is produced)Movement (the movement can be downwards, tapping, to the front, etc.)Orientation of the palm (facing down, up, left or right)Non-manual features (facial expression)
Example: Easy – X handform tapping twice on the flat cheek.Pregnant – X handform tapping twice on a puffed cheek.
What is Sign Language?
Myths about Sign Language
Sign Language is universal No Each country has thier own sign language that has similarities but also
vast differences. In South Africa we use South African Sign Language (SASL) which have
different regional dialects.
Example: TOILET (SASL) NAME (ASL)
Same sign – different meaning
Myth
Signs are glorified gestures
Iconic signs (picture-like) vs arbitrary signs
Myth
Sign language can only sign things that you can see and touch –concrete things. It cannot convey abstract things like feelings, etc. Concrete things yes!
Abstract? YES!!
Happy Sad
Assumptions
Assumptiona thing that is accepted as true or as certain to happen, without proof.
Assumptions about Deaf people and Sign Language
All Deaf people can read lips
NO Some sounds look exactly the same on your lips e.g. B and P Some lips cannot be read
CHALLENGE!!!Switch off the sound on the TV tonight and try to follow the lips of the
speaker/speakers
Assumption
Deaf people are disabled and want to be curedNOView themselves as part of a linguistic minority group with their
own language and cultureUse a capital “D” What must be fixed?
Assumption
Deaf babies are born from Deaf parentsNO90% of all deaf babies are born from hearing parents which bring
about several challenges for the parents and family.
Sign Names
Deaf people cannot hear their name therefor they have asign name. Also award sign names to hearing people Mannerism, physical feature, connotation of your name
Rhino
Please remember….
Categories of hearing loss
Hard of hearing Deafened Deaf born
Loss between 26-70 dBBenefit from a hearing aid
Loss more than 91 dBAfter acquisition of language
Does not benefit from hearing aid
Loss before acquisition of language
Culturally Deaf “D”COMMUNICATION
• Speak clearly• Don’t shout• Don’t turn your mouth/face
away• Avoid background noise
COMMUNICATION• Can speak but cannot hear• Writing• Acquiring SASL
COMMUNICATION• SASL• Write• Interpreter
Deaf culture – do’s and don'ts
• Make sure that there is enough light • Do not stand or sit in front of a bright light – the Deaf person would not be able to see you
• Maintain eye contact• Avoid speech in presence of the Deaf without an interpreter• Take turns to speak
Getting the Deaf persons’ attention
Interpreting
• Interpreting is spoken or signed while translation is written – There is there for a difference between an interpreter and a translator. •Sign Language interpreting is simultaneous when a speaker speaks. • Interpret everything that is said or signed•Code of ethics
• Confidentiality• Impartial• Accurate
How to use an interpreter?
• Address the Deaf person, not the interpreter• Don’t make small talk with the interpreter•Don’t say something that you don’t want to be interpreted• The interpreter will use first person (I) when interpreting•Do not ask the interpreter for his/her opinion•Do not use family members or staff members as interpreters as they are not professionally trained and will not confirm to the code of ethics.•Visibility of the interpreter is important.
• Not against a busy background, enough light. • Next to or close to the speaker.
PRACTICAL
FingerspellingWhich hand? – Dominant hand to fingerspell
Where do I fingerspell? – In line with your shoulderHow do I fingerspell? - Keep your hand steady, not moving up and down or to the front.When do I fingerspell? – Names of people, places, streets, mountains, rivers, etc. and when you don’t know the sign.
Alphabet
Introducing yourself
Hello How-are you
Fine Happy Sad
Yes Sick No
Introducing yourself
Name Surname Sign name
Nice-to-meet-you
Please Thank you
What is your name?
Answer by fingerspelling your name.
Pronouns
Who am I?
Woman Girl Man Boy
Hearing Deaf Lecturer
Specific Questions
Please do not hesitate to contact the Department of South African Sign Language and Deaf Studies if you have specific questions. Remember that you can enroll for SASL as a subject!
Contact details: Susan Lombaard/Emily MatabaneDepartment of South African Sign Language and Deaf [email protected]/[email protected]
Thank you
