Introduction to South African Sign Language
Overview of SASL
South African Sign Language (SASL) is a visual-gestural language used by the Deaf community in South Africa. It is a unique and complex linguistic system that serves as the primary means of communication for thousands of Deaf individuals across the country. SASL has evolved over time, influenced by the rich cultural diversity of South Africa and the historical context of Deaf education in the region.
The development of SASL can be traced back to the establishment of schools for the Deaf in South Africa during the 19th century. These schools, often segregated along racial lines during the apartheid era, led to the emergence of distinct signing varieties. Over time, these varieties have converged and evolved into what is now recognized as South African Sign Language.
Importance of SASL
SASL plays a crucial role in facilitating communication within the Deaf community in South Africa. It allows Deaf individuals to express themselves fully, share ideas, and participate in social, educational, and professional settings. Beyond its communicative function, SASL is a cornerstone of Deaf culture and identity in South Africa. It embodies the shared experiences, values, and traditions of the Deaf community, fostering a sense of belonging and pride among its users.
Linguistic Features of SASL
Phonology
SASL, like other sign languages, is composed of distinct handshapes, movements, and non-manual features (such as facial expressions and body posture). These elements combine to form the phonological building blocks of the language. SASL utilizes a range of handshapes, including those common to many sign languages as well as some unique to SASL.
The syllable structure in SASL typically consists of a movement component (the syllable nucleus) preceded and/or followed by holds. This structure is subject to various phonological constraints that govern the permissible combinations of handshapes, locations, and movements.
Syntax
SASL employs a topic-comment structure in many of its sentences, where the topic of discussion is presented first, followed by information about that topic. This differs from the subject-object-verb (SOV) or subject-verb-object (SVO) structures common in many spoken languages.
Time signs in SASL are often placed at the beginning of sentences to establish the temporal context. For example, the sign for “yesterday” or “next week” might appear at the start of a sentence to indicate when an event occurred or will occur.
Morphology
SASL uses a variety of grammatical markers to convey information such as aspect, number, and agreement. These can be expressed through changes in movement patterns, repetition, or the use of non-manual features.
Negation in SASL is typically expressed through a combination of manual signs and non-manual markers, such as head shakes or facial expressions. These elements work together to convey negative meaning in a sentence.
Sociolinguistic Aspects
Variability in SASL
Like all languages, SASL exhibits regional variation across South Africa. These variations can be observed in vocabulary choices, handshapes, and even grammatical structures. The extent of this variation has led to ongoing debates among linguists and the Deaf community about whether SASL should be considered a single language with regional dialects or a family of closely related sign languages.
SASL has also been influenced by other sign languages, particularly American Sign Language (ASL) and British Sign Language (BSL), due to historical educational practices and international interactions within the Deaf community.
Education and Research
The status of SASL in educational settings has improved in recent years, with growing recognition of its importance in Deaf education. However, challenges remain in implementing SASL as a language of instruction across all schools for the Deaf in South Africa.
Research initiatives focused on SASL have increased, with studies exploring its linguistic structure, sociolinguistic variation, and potential applications in technology. These efforts contribute to a better understanding of SASL and support its preservation and development.
Challenges Facing SASL
Recognition and Official Status
Despite its importance to the Deaf community, SASL has yet to be officially recognized as one of South Africa’s official languages. This lack of official status can impact funding for SASL programs, research, and resources. Additionally, there is a need for greater awareness and acceptance of SASL within the broader South African society to combat misconceptions and promote inclusivity.
Access to Resources
The Deaf community in South Africa faces challenges in accessing educational materials and qualified SASL interpreters. This scarcity of resources can limit opportunities for Deaf individuals in education, employment, and access to public services. Improving the availability of SASL resources is crucial for ensuring equal access to information and opportunities for the Deaf community.
Conclusion
Future Directions for SASL Research
As interest in SASL grows, there are numerous areas ripe for further study. These include:
Documenting and analyzing regional variations in SASL
Exploring the historical development and influences on SASL
Investigating the cognitive and neurological aspects of SASL processing
Developing technological tools to support SASL learning and use
It is crucial that future research initiatives involve the Deaf community at all stages, from planning to implementation and dissemination of findings. This collaboration ensures that research is relevant, respectful, and beneficial to the SASL-using community.
Call to Action
Greater awareness and understanding of SASL among hearing individuals in South Africa is essential for creating a more inclusive society. By learning about SASL, engaging with the Deaf community, and advocating for SASL recognition and resources, hearing individuals can play a crucial role in supporting the language and its users. As SASL continues to evolve and gain recognition, it stands as a testament to the resilience, creativity, and cultural richness of the South African Deaf community.
