Sign Language in Singapore: Connecting and Empowering the Deaf Community

As a vibrant and inclusive society, Singapore is home to a thriving deaf community, with over 4,000 individuals who rely on sign language as their primary mode of communication. As the number of deaf individuals continues to grow, so too does the need for accessible and comprehensive sign language services in the city-state.

The History of Sign Language in Singapore

The history of sign language in Singapore can be traced back to the early 19th century when the first deaf school was established in the country. However, it was not until the 1960s that sign language began to be recognized as a legitimate language and a vital tool for deaf education.

In 1968, the Singapore Association for the Deaf (SADeaf) was founded. SADeaf played a pivotal role in promoting sign language and advocating for the rights of the deaf community. Through its tireless efforts, SADeaf helped to raise awareness about the importance of sign language and its role in empowering deaf individuals.

Singapore Sign Language (SgSL)

The primary sign language used in Singapore is Singapore Sign Language (SgSL), which is a unique dialect of sign language that has evolved over time. SgSL is a combination of elements from British Sign Language (BSL), American Sign Language (ASL), and the local Malay sign language.

SgSL has its own distinct vocabulary and grammar, and it is used in various settings, including education, employment, and social gatherings. It is estimated that there are over 3,000 signers of SgSL in Singapore, and its use is steadily increasing.

The Importance of Sign Language

Sign language is an essential tool for deaf individuals to communicate effectively. It allows them to express themselves, socialize, and participate fully in society. Without sign language, deaf individuals would be isolated and unable to fully participate in the world around them.

Sign language provides numerous benefits for deaf individuals, including:

• Improved communication: Sign language allows deaf individuals to communicate with each other and with hearing individuals who know sign language.
• Access to education: Sign language is essential for deaf students to access education and achieve their academic potential.
• Social participation: Sign language enables deaf individuals to actively participate in social activities, build relationships, and form a sense of community.

Promoting Sign Language in Singapore

The government of Singapore recognizes the importance of sign language and has taken steps to promote its use. In 2005, the Ministry of Education (MOE) introduced sign language classes into the curriculum of all primary schools, and in 2018, it made sign language a compulsory subject for all pre-service teachers.

In addition, the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) provides funding for sign language interpretation services and supports organizations that promote sign language and deaf culture.

The Future of Sign Language in Singapore

The future of sign language in Singapore is bright. With the growing recognition of the importance of sign language and the government's commitment to promoting its use, the deaf community in Singapore can look forward to a future where they are fully included in society and empowered to live independent and fulfilling lives.

The Use of Sign Language in Different Settings

Sign language is used in a wide range of settings, including:

• Education: Deaf students use sign language to access education and achieve their academic potential. Sign language is used in all levels of education, from kindergarten to university.
• Employment: Deaf individuals use sign language to communicate with their colleagues and supervisors in the workplace. Sign language interpretation services are often provided to ensure that deaf employees can fully participate in all aspects of their work.
• Healthcare: Deaf individuals use sign language to communicate with healthcare professionals and access medical care. Sign language interpretation services are available in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings.
• Social gatherings: Deaf individuals use sign language to socialize and interact with each other and with hearing individuals who know sign language. Sign language is used in social clubs, deaf-friendly events, and everyday social interactions.

The Benefits of Learning Sign Language

Learning sign language offers numerous benefits, not only for deaf individuals but also for hearing individuals who want to engage with the deaf community. Some of the benefits of learning sign language include:

• Communication: Learning sign language allows you to communicate with deaf individuals who use it as their primary mode of communication.
• Understanding: Learning sign language gives you a deeper understanding of deaf culture and the challenges faced by deaf individuals.
• Cultural enrichment: Learning sign language exposes you to a new language and culture, enriching your own cultural experience.
• Community involvement: Learning sign language enables you to actively participate in the deaf community and contribute to its growth and development.
• Employment opportunities: Learning sign language opens up new employment opportunities in fields such as education, healthcare, and social work.

Effective Strategies for Promoting Sign Language

There are a number of effective strategies that can be used to promote sign language and support the deaf community:

• Education: Integrate sign language instruction into the curriculum of all schools, from kindergarten to university. Provide sign language classes for hearing individuals who want to learn sign language.
• Employment: Encourage employers to create accessible workplaces for deaf employees by providing sign language interpretation services and training for hearing employees on how to communicate with deaf individuals.
• Healthcare: Ensure that all healthcare settings provide sign language interpretation services so that deaf individuals can access medical care without barriers.
• Social inclusion: Promote the use of sign language in social settings, such as clubs, community events, and public spaces. Make sure that deaf individuals have equal access to all aspects of society.

Table 1: Sign Language Classes in Singapore

Table 2: Sign Language Interpretation Services in Singapore