Question NW3009 to the Minister of Arts and Culture
08 September 2015 - NW3009
Carter, Ms D to ask the Minister of Arts and Culture
Whether the Government is taking steps to ensure that more resources are being ploughed into the uptake of sign language training, considering that more than a million South Africans are afflicted with deafness and that, as a result of more persons learning sign language and being able to communicate in sign language, it would make it possible for deaf persons to have wider engagement in society and broader opportunities; if not, why not; if so, what are the (a) relevant details and (b) outcomes thereof?
Reply:
(a). Yes, my department, as part of the broad programme of government to build a united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and prosperous country, we are taking steps to ensure that more resources are being ploughed into the uptake of sign language training, by promoting, and creating conditions for the development of South African Sign Language (SASL) through funding and training projects that focus on the development and use of SASL.The department is also awarding language bursaries to Universities which are offering the training of the South African Sign Language as one of their courses.
(b). By funding training projects and awarding language bursaries we create a pool of professional sign language interpreters. Through sign language interpreters, communities are able to communicate with deaf people at a societal level.