Photo by [Medicircle]
South Africa – September marks the global observance of Deaf Awareness Month, and this year holds particular significance in South Africa due to the relatively recent recognition of South African Sign Language (SASL) as the nation’s 12th official language.
Sadiya Ismail, a Psychologist and Member of the Support Team at MC Kharbai School, emphasised, this year serves as a tribute to the accomplishments of the deaf community and the progress made by various organisations, advocates, and supporters.
“I think, first of all, it’s such an achievement to celebrate our 12th official language. It’s such a privilege, especially for the deaf community, which is why this September celebration is going to be extraordinary.”
Therefore, this month’s goal is to foster an understanding of deaf culture, educate the public in sign language, and shed light on the obstacles encountered by the deaf community. We can establish a more inclusive and equitable environment by encouraging such engagement.
What is Deaf Culture?
A crucial aspect of this month involves the active engagement of hearing citizens within the deaf community. According to Ismail, immersing oneself in deaf culture holds significance as it fosters empathy and heightened awareness among hearing individuals.
“It’s the basic way to interact with the deaf community. It would be things like getting the attention of the deaf, how we interact with deaf people and the dos and don’ts. So it’s very important for the community to learn about deaf culture and to learn how to interact with a deaf person.”
Through the embrace of deaf culture, hearing people can actively support the rights and requirements of the deaf community, ultimately playing a role in advancing a more equitable and inclusive global society. Such a society celebrates diversity and places value on the unique experiences of every individual.
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Learning South African Sign Language
A pivotal aspect of any cultural community is the language which binds its members together. In this context, it is SASL. Hence, to gain a genuine understanding of the deaf community, it is crucial to have the ability to communicate with them, as language encapsulates vital aspects of their cultural identity and heritage.
Therefore, the responsibility lies on all South Africans to acquire knowledge of SASL. Beyond simple communication, proficiency in SASL nurtures inclusiveness. It unlocks doors of opportunity for the deaf community across diverse aspects of our society. It facilitates the exchange of ideas, fortifies connections, and enhances participation nationwide.
