Connect with sign language
The public is encouraged to support Talk Sign Day, and learn SASL signs.
SUPPORT Talk Sign Day on Friday, 11 March by purchasing a sticker for R10 and learning the South African Sign Language (SASL) signs for this campaign.
Talk Sign Day is a KZN Blind and Deaf Society initiative, which aims to draw attention to the plight of South Africans who are deaf and hard of hearing. The public is encouraged to support this cause, and learn SASL signs which include ‘let’s meet’, ‘let’s connect’, ‘let’s do coffee’, ‘let’s have fun’, ‘friends for life’ and ‘see you soon’. These signs are illustrated and appear on the Talk Sign website page, www.talksign.co.za.
Once you have mastered the signs, take a photo of you and your friends connecting using sign language and load it onto the Instagram account, along with #talksignday.
“This year’s campaign is aimed at the youth as we want them to realise that all young people, hearing and non-hearing, are the same. All teenagers enjoy sport, having fun, socialising and connecting – the deaf community just speaks a different language. We encourage all hearing South Africans to learn the phrases and reach out to those who are deaf by communicating with them in their own language,’’ explains Shamila Surjoo, director of the KZN Blind and Deaf Society.
She said signs, photos, graphics and activities are already a big part of the way the youth communicate and connect so it is an easy transition for them to learn some sign language and reach out to others.
To buy your sticker, contact Ellisha on 031 309 4991 or email ellisha@talksign.co.za
