WATCH: Nhlanhla Johnson Mndawe teaches us sign language
Sign language is easy of you are willing to learn. Try these sign language signs and test them out on your friends
MBOMBELA – Sing language is a method of communication used by the deaf and/or hearing impaired.
In such communication hands are a primary tool in communicating messages. The body and facial expressions are also key in helping convey messages to the deaf.
Lowvelder sat down with sign language interpreter, Nhlanhla Johnson Mndawe, and taught us a few things to remember when encountering a deaf person and attempting to communicate with them.
“People assume deaf people are abnormal, which is not true,” he says.
“The difference between you and a deaf person is that they can’t hear and you can that’s all,” he add.
He urges people to feel free to use regular “street” sign language in the event that you don’t know how to sign.
“Don’t shout and throw objects when you want to get their attention,” says Mndawe. If you have to, run and catch up with them.
Tap them on their shoulder, that is the only appropriate place to touch them when trying to get their attention.
Do not be rude and switch off the lights when talking to people and there are deaf people in your home. Their eyes are their ears.
“It happens in many homes where they have a deaf family member and they don’t want them to read their lips when talking to other people and they switch off the lights,” said Mndawe.
Lastly, be friendly. Deaf people are more than willing to teach you sign language if you are willing to learn.
