The mere inclusion of South African Sign Language (SASL) as an official language will not promote inclusivity as such – rather, it will require hard work.
This is the opinion of Prof. Theo du Plessis, professor emeritus at the department of South African Sign Language and Deaf Studies at the The University of the Free State (UFS).
On Friday (21/07) the UFS was the first university to celebrate the official proclamation of SASL as the 12th official language on 19 July.
South Africa became the first country in the world to recognise sign language as an official language in the Constitution, and the seventh country in the world to recognise its national sign language as an official language.
The UFS was the first university to teach SASL as a subject and the first to form a department for South African Sign Language and Deaf Studies.
At the celebrations on Friday, Du Plessis said although the officialisation of SASL is an important step, there are several challenges.
“This includes the dysfunctional language dispensation in South Africa.”
He said only English is deemed a real official language in South Africa, and SASL will just become another symbolic official language.
“South Africa does not have the proper structures for the 11 official langauges we had until now. Now another language was added.”
He said functional multilingualism is not fully understood in South Africa.
“SASL will not be the last language to be declared official in South Africa,” he warned.
He said a country cannot effectively manage its language policy with more than three official languages.
Prof. Annalene van Staden, department head, said the celebrations acknowledge this historical moment.
“It is a testament of our rainbow nation.
“We not only celebrate the language diversity that has shaped our nation, but also the pivotal role that SASL plays in fostering greater understanding and communication among all citizens.”
She said, for the deaf community, this recognition holds profound significance.
“By granting official status to SASL, we are breaking down barriers that hindered the full participation of deaf citizens in all spheres of life: education, employment, and social engagement.”
Du Plessis said now that SASL is recognised as an official language, perhaps the opportunity has come for the inclusion of SASL as home language in all schools.
“More importantly, a curriculum must now be developed so that the language can also be taught as first and second additional language in all schools.
“Such a thing would give inclusivity an enormous jolt. Many universities have been offering SASL as a subject for some time, and can attest to the exceptional contribution it makes to fellowship between hearing and deaf persons.”
