The National Assembly of South Africa has recognised and approved The South African Sign Language (SASL), making a total of 12 official languages in the country. This historic shift is a victory for the Deaf community and an example of South Africa’s dedication to language variety and accessibility for all its citizens.
The Deaf community in South Africa has made great strides thanks to the formal recognition of South African Sign Language (SASL). It gives them reason to believe that the world may become a better place where their language and culture are respected and valued. People who are deaf may be able to get around the challenges they face in order to use mainstream resources. The acceptance of SASL as a legal language is fantastic news. This will aid in dismantling obstacles and establishing a society in which everyone’s rights are respected.
This choice may cause positive shifts in the academic project. Since SASL has been recognised as a legal language, HE institutions can better accommodate Deaf students by providing them with individualised teaching and assessment in the language. This is a fantastic chance to include SASL in curricula, recruit skilled sign language interpreters, and provide Deaf kids the resources they need to succeed in the classroom. Deaf people will be able to realise their full potential and contribute significantly to the development of the country as a result of this.
There will be far-reaching, positive effects on the judicial system as a result of officially recognising SASL. Thanks to improvements in translation technology, people who are deaf now have an easier time communicating with the legal system. The formal recognition of SASL is an encouraging development towards the goal of providing the Deaf community with the same opportunities for justice and fair representation as any other group. It’s a huge win for the Deaf community because the law will have to accommodate their requirements.
This is a great step forward in the fight to end the discrimination against the Deaf and increase the visibility of the Deaf community in South Africa. Recognising SASL as an official language is an encouraging sign that the government values the contributions of the Deaf community. As a result, they are given a comparable level of respect as hearing people for their language and culture. This newfound visibility and recognition can bring about positive change by promoting understanding and bridging the gap between the Deaf and hearing communities.
The struggle towards true inclusivity continues even after the proclamation of SASL as an official language. We have made a significant milestone, and with continued effort, the Deaf community will soon enjoy its full benefits. By taking this crucial first step, South Africa has shown its dedication to ensuring that all its citizens’ rights are respected, regardless of their linguistic or cultural background.
This historic moment is a cause for celebration as we recognise the immense dedication of the Deaf community and its allies who have relentlessly stood for the official recognition of SASL. Thanks to their tenacity, we have reached an important moment where South Africa is on the verge of becoming a more inclusive, diverse, and equal nation for all.
There exist multiple implications for Institutional Effectiveness and Efficiency in Higher Education. The official recognition of South African Sign Language (SASL) as the twelfth language in South Africa has significant implications for institutions of higher education. In light of the nation’s
increasing acceptance of linguistic diversity and inclusivity, academic institutions must modify and progress in order to cater to the distinctive requirements of Deaf students. The subsequent implications hold significant importance for institutions of higher education:
Curriculum development reimagined!
The integration of SASL and Deaf culture into the curricula of higher education institutions will be necessary to acknowledge and accommodate the language. The proposed approach entails the development of tailored curricula on Deaf culture, history, and South African Sign Language (SASL), alongside the incorporation of sign language elements into relevant pre-existing
programmes.
Recruitment and appointment of Sign Language Interpreters and appropriate support staff! In order to ensure efficient interaction between Deaf learners, lecturers, and other staff members, universities and colleges will be required to enlist the services of proficient sign language interpreters and support personnel. In order to ensure equitable access to information and resources for Deaf students, it may be necessary to employ supplementary personnel, such as note-takers, to be added to the existing support staff.
Implications for Accessibility of materials and resources!
In order to ensure equal access to education, it is imperative that universities and colleges prioritise the accessibility of their educational tools and resources for students who are Deaf.
Inclusive education for Deaf individuals may entail the provision of lecture transcripts, captions, or sign language interpretations, as well as the modification of educational resources such as textbooks and articles to incorporate Deaf perspectives. Continuing professional development and training of staff!
The provision of training and professional development opportunities may be necessary for academic staff and other employees working in higher education institutions, particularly in the areas of South African Sign Language (SASL), Deaf culture, and the specific requirements of Deaf students. The implementation of this strategy is expected to foster a more comprehensive learning milieu, thereby promoting equitable academic achievement for all students. Implications for Institutional infrastructure and facilities!
In order to cater to the needs of Deaf students, higher education institutions may have to allocate resources towards the development of infrastructure and facilities that are inclusive. This may include the provision of assistive listening devices, visual alarms, and designated spaces for sign language interpretation.
There are immediate implications for Student Bursary Scholarships and Financial Aid! Institutions of higher education may contemplate providing scholarships and financial aid tailored to Deaf students, with the aim promoting their enrolment in post-secondary education and mitigating any financial impediments they may encounter.
Research and Innovation opportunities!
The official recognition of SASL as a language may lead to expanded research prospects in the domains of linguistics, Deaf culture, and Deaf education. Academic institutions of higher learning have the potential to facilitate and bolster research initiatives through the provision of financial
backing, essential materials, and the specialised knowledge of their faculty members.
Collaboration and Partnerships: Institutional Advancement opportunities!
The establishment of partnerships and collaborations between higher education institutions and Deaf schools, organisations, and community groups can prove advantageous in terms of knowledge sharing, resource allocation, and implementation of best practises aimed at
supporting Deaf students in higher education. The official recognition of SASL as a language is a noteworthy achievement for the Deaf community in South Africa. Through the consideration of these implications and the prioritisation of inclusivity, institutions of higher education can assume a critical function in enabling Deaf students and cultivating a society that is more diverse and equitable.
Opportunities for Research and Innovation are plenty! The official recognition of South African Sign Language (SASL) in South Africa has opened a plethora of research opportunities across diverse academic fields. Scholars could investigate a diverse array of subjects pertaining to Deaf culture, linguistics, education, and other related areas. The following are potential areas of inquiry that warrant further investigation: The field of linguistics encompasses the examination of the components of structure, grammar, and vocabulary within South African Sign Language (SASL), in addition to the sociolinguistic determinants that shape its usage and evolution. Researchers have the capacity to investigate these aspects of SASL and language development. The investigation of comparisons with other sign languages and the correlation between South African Sign Language (SASL) and spoken languages is also a viable avenue of exploration.
The topic of investigation pertains to the history of the Deaf community in South Africa, the development of Deaf culture, and the effects of the formal recognition of South African Sign Language (SASL) on the cultural identity and self-esteem of Deaf individuals. The purpose of this study is to identify effective strategies for teaching pupils who are deaf and to identify relevant educational models. Methods like SASL-English bilingual education, AAC, and interpreters for the deaf in the classroom are also considered. Equality, access, and inclusion in higher education are attractive areas to investigate, and research examining the accessibility, inclusion, and equality of higher education institutions for Deaf students is a possible route for doing so. Programme and service effectiveness may be assessed, and barriers to access can be uncovered, using this type of study.
Research on the professionalisation of interpreting in South African Sign Language (SASL) and the difficulties interpreters confront in different fields including education, healthcare, and law is possible. The ramifications of new technologies and innovations for the Deaf population may need further study. To achieve this aim, it may be necessary to create and implement cutting-edge technologies like sign language recognition systems, remote translation services, and assistive listening devices for the Deaf community.
The legal acknowledgment of SASL may have had far-reaching effects, with implications for linguistic rights and social justice that might be explored in studies of policy and legislation. Studying the effects of poverty on the Deaf community is crucial. Information regarding the Deaf community in South Africa, including their economic status, employment rates, and barriers to advancement, would be very useful. The health and mental health of Deaf individuals can be explored through research, which may encompass an examination of their distinctive health and mental health requirements, the availability of healthcare services that are accessible to them, and the creation of interventions and support systems that are culturally sensitive. The realm of art, literature, and media representation offers a promising avenue for researchers to delve into the creative expressions of Deaf artists, writers, and filmmakers. Additionally, it provides an opportunity to scrutinise the portrayal of Deaf individuals and Sign Language in mainstream media and popular culture. Scholars can make a valuable contribution to the comprehension and recognition of South African Sign Language (SASL), Deaf culture, and the distinctive encounters of Deaf individuals in South Africa through their research endeavours in these domains. Additionally, this study has the potential to provide insights for the development of policies and practises that facilitate increased accessibility, inclusivity, and social equity for individuals who are Deaf.
In conclusion, the recognition of SASL as the 12th official language in South Africa is a historic move that will have significant consequences for the Deaf population, higher education, and community. This momentous action shows the nation’s dedication to inclusiveness, diversity, and linguistic rights for everyone.
Higher education institutions and university governments must react to this trend by creating inclusive curriculums, supporting Deaf students, and promoting campus accessibility. SASL’s recognition provides many study possibilities across disciplines that can help us comprehend Deaf culture, language, and South African Deaf people’s unique experiences.
The legal recognition of SASL is a major step towards a more inclusive, varied, and egalitarian society where Deaf people may reach their full potential and their language and culture are
valued.
Professor Percy Sepeng
Thursday, 04 May 2023
Percy Sepeng is a Full Professor of Mathematics Education and currently an academic in the School of Education at the Sol Plaatje University. He writes in his personal capacity.
