Sign Language and Deaf Culture

Vocabulary flashcards based on the lecture notes on Sign Language and Deaf Culture.

Sign Language

A visual-gestural language where sound has no meaning, used by Deaf people and those who communicate with them. It is a natural language of Deaf people that opens up communication and interaction.

World Federation of the Deaf (WFD)

An organization stating that there are approximately 72 million deaf people worldwide, with more than 80% living in developing countries, using over 300 different sign languages.

SASL (South African Sign Language)

In 2019, the President of South Africa announced that SASL would become the 12th official language of South Africa. SASL became an official language in South Africa in May 2022.

Deaf Studies

A field that has led to changing perspectives on deaf people, arising from information on sign language and deaf culture.

Bilingual Model (in Deaf Education)

Model where sign language is critical. The deaf child needs language to communicate, develop cognitive skills, acquire world knowledge and communicate fully with the world

Legal Recognition of Sign Languages

Explicit legal recognition of sign languages means legislation which clearly recognises the language as a distinct language for all deaf people in that country.