NTU and SADeaf collaborate to increase public awareness and promote the local sign language through free resources
A new e-book on Singapore Sign Language (SgSL), launched in September 2024, aims to introduce the language to the public and highlight its significance in the Deaf community. Developed by Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and the Singapore Association for the Deaf (SADeaf), the e-book is a step toward boosting the visibility and understanding of SgSL. The resource features common and uniquely Singaporean terms used in everyday conversation, supported by GIFs that demonstrate how to sign them.
SgSL has evolved organically since the 1950s, reflecting the daily experiences, multilingual culture, and identity of the local Deaf community. The language was first shaped by the Singapore Chinese Sign School for the Deaf, and has since been adapted by successive generations of deaf Singaporeans. Today, it embodies the unique cultural and linguistic needs of the Deaf community, with thousands now learning SgSL, both deaf and hearing.
NTU’s Centre for Modern Languages began offering elective classes in SgSL in 2015, and it now attracts about 200 students each year. Additionally, SADeaf’s SgSL sign bank, a collaborative effort with NTU’s linguistic students, has grown from 50 signs in 2018 to over 749 today. This expanding collection is intended to provide essential signs for communication, with hopes of evolving into a comprehensive guide for SgSL.
Despite the ongoing push for official recognition of SgSL as Singapore’s national sign language, there has been little progress since a 2023 study on the topic. Recognition of SgSL would validate it as a legitimate language and foster greater inclusion for deaf individuals in society. Other ASEAN countries, such as Malaysia and the Philippines, have already recognized their own national sign languages.
The Deaf community sees official recognition as crucial for fostering a sense of belonging, preserving cultural nuances, and ensuring better communication between the Deaf and hearing communities. However, challenges remain, with some Deaf advocates questioning whether recognition would lead to tangible improvements, such as greater accessibility to interpreters and more training opportunities.
While the debate continues, the use of SgSL within the local Deaf community remains unaffected by the lack of official recognition. For many Deaf individuals, SgSL is a vital part of their cultural identity and daily life, and its continued use is an ongoing testament to the resilience and strength of the community.
