FORMER justice of the Constitutional Court of South Africa and the president of the KZN Blind and Deaf Society, Zak Yacoob has called for sign language to be made the 12th official language.
Yacoob was commenting this week when the Talk Sign campaign was launched in KwaZulu-Natal to popularise South African Sign Language (SASL) and to raise funds through the sale of Talk Sign stickers. The proceeds from this KZN Blind and Deaf Society project will be used to educate people who are deaf and, at a later stage, help them to find employment.
Yacoob said, “It is a human right of every person who is deaf to be able to communicate – to understand others and to be understood’. We all need to communicate with each other. Imagine how lonely it must be when you don’t understand what the people around you are saying and, no-one understands what you are trying to say?
“This is how people who are deaf feel, around those who don’t understand South African Sign Language (SASL). We need to make sign language South Africa’s 12th official language, not only for people who are deaf but for everyone’s benefit.’’
Schools and corporates are encouraged to buy Talk Sign stickers for R10 each and wear them on Talk Sign Day, Friday, 14 March 2014. “We are also encouraging people to do an activity on Talk Sign Day to show support for people who are deaf.’’ says Shamila Surjoo, director of the KZN Blind and Deaf Society.
‘’Our staff, deaf clients and sign language interpreters are available to do a twenty minute, interactive presentation at schools and businesses in the lead up to the day. During this presentation, five phrases will be taught in sign language – hello, how are you, I am fine thank you, your name please and my name is,’’ said Surjoo.
Sign language alphabet cards will be distributed so that the learners and staff members can learn to sign their names using these cards.
“As far as the Talk Sign Day activities are concerned, schools and business can be as creative as they like. For example, each learner can present something in sign language to the class and the corporates can distribute the ‘Do’s and Don’ts’ when communicating with someone who is deaf to all their staff members.’’ suggests Surjoo.
Darren Rajbal who is a professional dancer, winner of SA’s Got Talent and is completely deaf, is still amazed how people presume because someone is deaf, they must be lacking in intelligence.
“We are just as capable as everyone else, we simply speak a different language.’’ he said. ‘’I wish more people would take the time to learn the language which the deaf community speaks. It would help us to feel less isolated and lonely’’, said Rajbal.
Darren has been fortunate enough to travel overseas with his dancing and believes that South Africa is lagging behind when it comes to the opportunities available for people who are deaf.
“I am very excited about the Talk Sign campaign as I believe that the awareness created and the funds raised will help people who are deaf to reach their full potential. I was brave enough to start dancing and developed my talent but for many people who are deaf, they are not given the opportunity or the confidence to try.’’
To place an order for stickers to sell at school or work or to set up a presentation, please contact Ellisha on 031 309 4991 or email ellisha@talksign.co.za. SMS ‘Talk Sign’ and your city to 36931 at a cost of R5. All profits will be donated to the Talk Sign campaign. Visit www.talksign.co.za.
