Handy: Sign language

More than a month and a half ago, I suggested running a sign language course. I didn't need much convincing, because DWARSers are generally open to topics related to inclusivity. On Wednesday 29 April, I will give an online course where you can learn about sign language, because sign language is very important. Or is it?

written by Sam Veeman

There are hearing aids, right?
Sign language is and will continue to be needed. It is estimated that there are some 16,000 people with hearing impairment who use sign language. Digital aids, such as a hearing aid or a C.I. (Cochlear Implant), can help them perceive more sound. Yet this is often not enough to understand everything. Especially if ambient noise is also added. In addition, the sound is often so distorted that it can be perceived as annoying, which is why there is a large group that chooses not to use these “aids”.

Lip-reading is also often mentioned as an alternative to sign language, but lip-reading takes a lot of energy and is not reliable enough to follow an entire conversation. In addition, lip-reading follows the spoken Dutch language, but sign language is not Dutch. Dutch is based on sounds that are unfamiliar to part of society. Learning the Dutch language is very difficult for deaf people and there is a large group that does not master the Dutch language well. As a result, communicating via written Dutch is not always an option either.

So what does work? Yes. The answer is obvious; sign language. But so that is where the problem begins, because society is not set up for it.

When do you really need sign language?
These days, sign language is mostly talked about in relation to press conferences. As a matter of fact, an interpreter has recently joined those. This was not the case in the past. Many sign language-dependent people then had to miss out on important information. After a lot of arguing and complaining, an interpreter is now present as standard. This is fine, but apart from press conferences and regular news, there is very little sign language in society.

My brother, who has been deaf since birth, says he particularly struggles with this defect when he has to go and ask someone for help. For example, when he needs to speak to a doctor, police officer or service worker. When an announcement is made in the train that it will unexpectedly not continue, he does not get this. Only when everyone has disembarked and the conductor checks that the train is completely empty, it becomes clear that something is wrong. That is already not a very nice situation, but the (exasperated) conductor also does not speak his language, so that makes it even more complicated.

So actually, in all helping or service professions, we at least need alertness. You may come into contact with a sign language-dependent person. How will you deal with that?

I never see anyone who is deaf!
No, but chances are you'll come into contact with one. Then you can make a difference. In my supermarket, a deaf employee works. At work, he has very little interaction. When I greet him or ask how he is doing, it makes an impression. When, in a personal situation or in your work, you come into contact with someone who uses sign language and you are able to help that person further, you make that person's life a little easier.

Sign language is very difficult, isn't it?
Well, no. It is no more difficult than learning any other language. Moreover, learning sign language is a lot of fun, because you don't have any verb conjugations or other rows you would have to mash up at all, for example. It is a language you can be very creative with. You do have to put in some time, but in this corona crisis, you probably have some time to spare.

Have I convinced you yet? I hope so. Sign language is and remains necessary for a more inclusive society. You can make a difference and if you are open to it, you are welcome to join the digital sign language course. See you then!