On International Day of Sign Languages, an expert tells us why it’s an important skill for all to possess. Plus, a round-up of courses you can join
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Language is key to fostering an inclusive society, points out Sunil Sahasrabudhe, a Mulund-based sign language expert. And while sign language is the language that the deaf community uses to communicate and express themselves, its knowledge among people who can hear can help to truly create an inclusive world for hearing-impaired persons. In tune with his claim is the 2021 theme of International Day of Sign Languages, celebrated today: “We Sign For Human Rights,” which highlights “how each of us — deaf and hearing people around the world — can work together to promote the recognition of our right to use sign languages in all areas of life.”
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Sahasrabudhe, who was born deaf to deaf parents and has been training deaf teachers of Indian Sign Language (ISL) and hearing interpreters for over 15 years, explains that sign language is visual in nature, and has its own grammar and vocabulary. “Many people have a misconception; they mistake gestures as sign language. Just like any spoken language that has regional variations, ISL, which is used by the deaf community in India, has its own regional variations,” he shares.
Sunil Sahasrabudhe
Reiterating the importance of the knowledge of sign language, Sahasrabudhe notes how deaf people are often left out of accessibility and inclusive designs for persons with disabilities. “What is common among most categories of persons with disabilities, except deaf persons, is the ability to use a spoken language to communicate among themselves. To include deaf people, one must learn to use sign language,” says the founder-CEO of Signex India LLP. He suggests that while a lot of ISL training programmes are mushrooming, one must choose the right organisation that has certified deaf teachers. One can look out for Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI)-certified ISL courses. “Hearing interpreters or non-certified deaf trainers will not do justice to your efforts in learning ISL properly,” he points out.
Get started
>> Trust for Retailers and Retail Associates of India (TRRAIN) has been hosting virtual Indian Sign Language workshops where participants will learn the basics.
Till: September 30
Log on to: insider.in
>> Ali Yavar Jung National Institute of Speech and Hearing Disabilities (Divyangjan), Bandra, conducts diploma-level courses.
Log on to: ayjnihh.nic.in
>> The Noida Deaf Society has a series of online tutorials on the basics of Indian Sign Language.
Log on to: noidadeaf-society.org or the Noida Deaf Society channel on YouTube
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