Lumen: Edition November 15, 2024

In This Edition

• Legal Recognition of Sign Language in Arab Countries
• Learn to Sign: Fun Facts About Sign Language Around the Arab World
• Try It Yourself! few basic signs you can try out
• 5 fun LinkedIn (language industry) personalities to follow

Legal Recognition of Sign Language in Arab Countries: Overview of the Status in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Other Countries

The Legal Recognition of Sign Language in Arab Countries: A Snapshot

Sign language is an essential form of communication for Deaf communities around the world. However, in many Arab countries, it still lacks the legal recognition and support necessary for Deaf individuals to fully participate in society. While some progress has been made in certain countries, challenges remain in ensuring equal access to education, services, and opportunities for Deaf people across the region.

Egypt: Progress, But Gaps Persist

In Egypt, there has been some movement towards recognizing the importance of sign language. The government passed a law in 2018 to establish a National Council for Persons with Disabilities, which includes support for the Deaf community. However, Egyptian Sign Language (ESL) is still not legally recognized as an official language. Deaf individuals continue to face significant challenges accessing public services, legal systems, and education due to the lack of widespread availability of sign language interpreters.

Saudi Arabia: Slow Steps Toward Inclusion

Saudi Arabia has taken some steps to protect the rights of people with disabilities, including the Deaf community, with the introduction of the "Disability Rights Law" in 2013. But Saudi Sign Language (SSL) is not yet an officially recognized language, and there are no clear legal provisions for sign language interpreters in public services, healthcare, or the legal system. While there have been positive changes, such as sign language interpreters at public events, Deaf people still encounter barriers when trying to access services.

UAE: A Model of Progress

The UAE stands out in the region for its proactive approach to supporting its Deaf population. In 2017, the government officially recognized UAE Sign Language (UAESL) as the language of communication for Deaf people. This was a significant step forward. The UAE has also invested in training sign language interpreters and ensuring that interpreters are available at public events, in schools, and in the media. These efforts have helped improve access to information and services for Deaf individuals, making the UAE a leader in the region when it comes to inclusivity.

Other Arab Countries: Mixed Progress

In countries like Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, and Tunisia, sign language recognition is still a work in progress. In Jordan, for example, Jordanian Sign Language (JSL) is widely used, but there is limited legal recognition, and access to services remains a challenge. Lebanon has a relatively advanced system for Deaf education, but Lebanese Sign Language (LSL) does not have formal legal status. In Morocco and Tunisia, while there is some awareness of the importance of sign language, official recognition and full inclusion are still lacking.

Challenges for the Deaf Community

The lack of legal recognition of sign language across many Arab countries creates several key challenges:

• Limited Access to Services: Deaf individuals often struggle to access healthcare, legal services, and government information because sign language interpreters are not widely available.
• Educational Barriers: Many Deaf students do not receive adequate sign language instruction, which affects their ability to thrive academically.
• Social Exclusion: Without official recognition of sign language, Deaf people are often marginalized, facing difficulties in participating fully in social and cultural life.
• Employment Challenges: Deaf individuals often encounter communication barriers in the workplace, making it harder to find jobs and advance in their careers.

The Path Forward

To ensure a more inclusive future for Deaf communities, Arab countries need to take several important steps:

• Legal Recognition: Governments must pass laws to officially recognize sign language as a valid means of communication, ensuring its use in public services, education, and media.
• Education and Training: Increasing access to sign language education for Deaf individuals and interpreter training programs is essential for bridging communication gaps.
• Awareness Campaigns: Public campaigns can help reduce stigma around Deaf culture and promote greater understanding of the importance of sign language.
• International Cooperation: Countries should work with global organizations, such as the World Federation of the Deaf, to align national policies with international standards for Deaf rights.

While some countries, like the UAE, have made important strides toward recognizing sign language, many Arab nations still have a long way to go. Legal recognition of sign language is critical to ensuring that Deaf individuals can fully participate in society. As awareness continues to grow and advocacy for Deaf rights strengthens, there is hope that the region will move closer to achieving full inclusion for Deaf communities.

Learn to Sign: Fun Facts About Sign Language Around the Arab World!"

If you're curious about sign language and want to learn more, why not make it fun? In this interactive section, we'll explore some interesting facts about sign language across different Arab countries. You’ll discover how sign languages vary from country to country, how they’ve evolved, and even learn a few basic signs! Ready to get your hands moving? Let’s dive in!

1. Sign Language Is Not Universal!

Did you know there’s no single “global” sign language? Just like spoken languages, sign languages differ from region to region, and even between countries in the same region! For example, Egyptian Sign Language (ESL) is different from Saudi Sign Language (SSL), and UAE Sign Language (UAESL) has its own unique signs. While they all serve the same purpose helping Deaf people communicate, they each have their own vocabulary and grammar.

2. The Power of a Gesture

Did you know that many everyday gestures are part of sign language? In some cases, gestures you might use to express feelings or ideas are also signs in different languages! For instance, the classic “thumbs up” gesture is often used in American Sign Language (ASL) to mean “good” or “okay.” But in UAE Sign Language, a gesture like this could have a completely different meaning so always be mindful of context when using hand signs!

3. The Story Behind the Signs

Sign languages have fascinating histories! For example, Lebanese Sign Language (LSL) has been influenced by a variety of different cultures and languages over time. Lebanon’s educational system for Deaf students has incorporated sign language as far back as the 19th century, and today, LSL is widely used in schools and among the Deaf community. Every sign has a story, whether it’s tied to historical events, cultural shifts, or the way Deaf communities have come together over generations.

4. Fun Sign to Learn: The Arabic “Hello” in Sign Language

Want to learn a fun and easy sign? In many Arab countries, "hello" in sign language is done by extending your fingers to form a "V" shape with your hand and bringing it towards your forehead. It’s like a friendly wave, but with a little extra style! Try it out next time you greet a friend!

5. From Classroom to Stage: Sign Language in Media

In the UAE, sign language isn’t just for schools it's also part of public events and even TV shows! The UAE regularly includes sign language interpreters during government broadcasts and public events to make information accessible to everyone. This inclusion is a huge step forward for Deaf visibility and recognition in mainstream media.

6. The Role of Sign Language in the Digital Age

With social media and online platforms, sign language is gaining more visibility. Deaf influencers and educators are sharing their knowledge, using platforms like YouTube and Instagram to teach sign language to a global audience. Some organizations in the Arab world are also developing apps and online courses to help people learn their national sign language perfect for those looking to start learning!

Here are a few basic signs you can try It Yourself!

• "Thank You": Place your fingers near your chin and move your hand slightly forward, like you're blowing a kiss.
• "More": Tap your fingertips together like you’re holding a small "O" shape with both hands, signaling you want more.
• "Help": Place one hand in a fist and rest it in the palm of your other open hand, as if you’re offering help.

Learning sign language can be a fun and rewarding experience! It’s not just a way to communicate. it’s also a way to connect with others in meaningful, inclusive ways. And who knows? You might just make a new friend in the process!

5 fun LinkedIn (language industry) personalities to follow

1. Carole Pinto:  Carole Pinto🦄 | LinkedIn
2. Débora De Oliveira: Débora De Oliveira | LinkedIn
3. Carmen Križanič:  Carmen Križanič | LinkedIn
4. Valentina Alia:  Valentina Alia | LinkedIn
5. Lucrezia Lodato: Lucrezia Lodato | LinkedIn