DEVELOPING CAMBODIAN SIGN LANGUAGE
OBJECTIVE
Support the development of a comprehensive Cambodian Sign Language, essentially implemented by Cambodian deaf people, rooted in the local culture
PROJECT
In the absence of a formalized sign language, Krousar Thmey decided in 1997 to adapt American Sign Language. In parallel, another organization, the Deaf Development Program, pursued the same goal. In 2013, the two organizations decided to join forces to create a common Cambodian sign language. As a result, a Sign Language Committee (SLC) was created with the responsibility of documenting and creating signs.
To help the committee members in their task, several training on linguistics of sign language, research for signs or production of adapted resources are regularly organized. The committee is continuing its documentation work in local communities and is collecting new signs on appropriate platforms to support the dissemination of the Cambodian Sign Language in the country.
ACTIVITIES
- Capacity building and training of committee members and specialized teachers
- Search and documentation of signs
- Development of dissemination tools based on new technologies
- Sign language courses for communities
HOB Engchoug, member of the Sign Language Committee since 2013
Everything begins by looking for signs currently existing or creating new ones. It’s a real teamwork; to decide whether a sign is appropriate or not, first we need to understand the concept we are trying to express. To this end, our ‘hearing’ colleagues are of great help to us. From their explanations, we create the most appropriate sign, which will be easily
understood by all.
Read his story
MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
Area of work: Education for deaf or blind children
Duration: 2018-2019
Location: Provnces of Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Battambang, Kampong Cham, Kampot
Beneficiaries : people with hearing impairment throughout the country, communities, specialized teachers
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