RECOGNISING SOUTH AFRICAN SIGN LANGUAGE: IMPLICATIONS FOR SOUTH AFRICAN LOCAL MUNICIPALITIES

Abstract

This article posits that the implications of Sign Language within the South African local municipalities, remains a challenge, notwithstanding existing attempts by language policies to promote multilingualism. Thus, guard against the use of other spoken languages to perpetuate inequalities which were entrenched by the history of the country. In this article it is argued that the use of other spoken languages as the only communication between South African local municipalities as the only languages of communication, impedes access to effective communication with residents. South African government has recognised eleven plus official languages, inclusive of Sign Languages. For this study, three Free State local municipalities were approached to help with data on the topic, wherein officials involved in an open-ended interview, with a voice-recorder used. Only one local municipality had a translator/ interpreter, and who does not know South African Sign Language. The other two local municipalities do not have a translator or an interpreter at all. Thus, implying that only 33,3% (only one local municipality) partially comply with the regulations as enshrined in the South African Constitution (1996); and the other two with 66,4% (two local municipalities) of the selected municipalities do not comply at all. The findings suggest that most South African local municipalities do not comply with regulations regarding the introduction and development of South African Sign Languages. Thus, this implies that South African Local Municipalities do not communicate with all its residents. Local municipalities are therefore expected to employ people who will help deaf people when the visit their offices to enquire or attend to other problems. The article poses recommendations as to how the apparent linguistic imperialism, which is a human rights violation, can be turned around to linguistic diversity that is based on linguistic justice.