By Vincent Runyon
With over 20% of South
Africa's disabled population hearing-impaired, it is imperative that a sign language exists to make communication easier. Taken from parts of other English-based sign languages such as American, British, and Irish sign language, South African sign language has quickly grown to become the most popular form of sign language in South Africa, and even one of the country's national languages. In order to learn it well, an incredible amount of commitment and help is necessary.
Instructions
Difficulty: Challenging
Things You'll Need:
- Tuition money
Access to schools
- Tuition money
- Access to schools
Step 1
Find a proper learning method. The best way to learn South African sign language would to actually be in South Africa and go to in-person classes at a local school such as Wits Language School. If that is not possible, check with a local deafness awareness group to see if there are in-person classes near you. If that is still not possible, use online resources such as handspeak.com
Step 2
Check to see if classes are available. The economic welfare of schools isn't always consistent, so it's best to get in contact with the school to see if it is still offering the sign language course. Sign up for the course.
Step 3
Go to class. It's much easier to learn the language when immersed in it and forced to communicate with it. As most of these classes are usually taught by a deaf person, being forced to use South African sign language will improve your aptitude with the language.
Step 4
Practice and enrich your experience. This means more than simply going to class. Do any assigned homework promptly. Check to see if there are any deaf community events nearby. Great resources for this include your teacher and any local deafness awareness group.
Resources
About the Author:
Vincent Runyon is a writer working out of Portland, Ore. His work has been featured in "The Oregon Voice" and "Portland Monthly." Runyon received two bachelor's degrees from the University of Oregon. His greatest passions are traveling to new and different places and enjoying a good basketball game. Usually the two are mutually exclusive.
