Creating awareness of deaf culture and sign language

At the end of September, St Benildus College celebrated ‘International Week of Deaf People’.

Irish Sign Language is the first and/or preferred language of 5000 Deaf people in Ireland and approximately 40,000 people in general communicate in ISL (family, friends, co-workers, etc). Irish Sign Language is the indigenous language of the Deaf community and research shows that sign languages are full languages with their own complex linguistic structure, rules and features.

It is a visual and spatial language with its own distinct grammar and not only is it a language of the hands, but also of the face and body. Irish Sign Language is different from all other sign languages such as British Sign Language, American Sign Language etc.

Ireland is unique in that men and women in Ireland have different sign languages due to being educated in separate schools. The Deaf community sees itself as a linguistic and cultural minority group as opposed to being disabled.

In order to create awareness of deaf culture and Irish Sign Language, Ms. Power provided classes at lunchtime for junior students. Well done to all who got involved and a special mention must go to the first year students for their enthusiasm and dedication. Over 50 students attended the classes held in the Hall and they learned the basics of ISL