SASL Recognized as 12th Official Language in SA

South African Sign Language (SASL) reached a momentous milestone when it was officially recognized as the 12th official language of South Africa. This moment is of immense significance for the deaf community, as it brings long-overdue acknowledgment to a language that has historically faced marginalization.

President Ramaphosa expressed the importance of SASL as a crucial communication tool for citizens living with disabilities. This recognition is a powerful step towards empowering the deaf community, affirming their humanity and existence through the acknowledgment of their language.

The journey towards SASL’s official recognition was the result of tireless efforts by the deaf community and advocates for deaf rights. Their campaign aimed to raise awareness about the significance of SASL as a language and push for its recognition across all aspects of society.

With SASL now protected under the South African Constitution, it holds the same status as other official languages, such as English and isiZulu. This mandates the government to promote the use of SASL and ensure access to services in SASL for deaf individuals.

South Africa now joins Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Uganda as the fourth African country to officially recognize sign language as an official language. This marks a considerable step forward in advancing diversity and inclusion in the country.

The Alphabet in Sign Language. Try to Read the Main Photo’s Sign Language…

The recognition of SASL as an official language also holds important implications for education. Deaf children now have the right to receive education in their first language, SASL. Schools are required to provide SASL as a medium of instruction and teachers must be trained in SASL to facilitate effective learning.

SASL, a visual language using hand gestures, facial expressions, and body language, is distinct from spoken languages. With approximately 600,000 deaf people using SASL in South Africa, it serves as a crucial aspect of their culture and communication. It has its own unique grammar and vocabulary, reflecting the experiences and identity of the deaf community.

The history of SASL traces back to the early 1800s when it was introduced through missionary efforts. Over time, it evolved into a fully-fledged language with its own syntax and structure.

Today, SASL plays a vital role in deaf culture in South Africa. The government has taken steps to support the deaf community by providing interpreters and establishing schools and organizations focused on deaf education and support.

Overall, the official recognition of SASL is a remarkable achievement, bringing greater inclusion and empowerment to the deaf community in South Africa. It acknowledges the importance of SASL as a distinct language and culture, providing deaf individuals with better access to education, services, and opportunities.