A Study of Ethiopian Sign Language

VI SEGNALIAMO QUESTA INTERESSANTE PUBBLICAZIONE DELLA GALLAUDET UNIVERSITY PRESS:

A Study of Ethiopian Sign Language
Touches on multiple aspects of Deaf people's lives in Ethiopia
Will help advance public understanding of Ethiopian Sign Language and improve educational and social outcomes for the Ethiopian Deaf community
Contributes to the growing scholarly literature on signed languages around the world
There are more than 80 languages in Ethiopia, with some being major languages and others considered minor languages. Ethiopian Sign Language (EthSL) is a minor language. There is very little research about the sign languages of Africa. Consequently, not much is known about the sociolinguistic profile of EthSL. Apart from sign language dictionaries, there is no reference material available on the language. In this trailblazing study, Eyasu Hailu Tamene examines EthSL use in various spaces and investigates the factors that impact attitudes toward this under-researched language.

A sociolinguistic description of EthSL is important for both academic and social reasons. In 2008, Tamene cofounded the Ethiopian Sign Language and Deaf Culture Program at Addis Ababa University (AAU). “Academically,” notes Tamene, “this work will foster the teaching and learning of the language. For example, it will empower the staff capacity of the EthSL and Deaf Culture Program at AAU and will be of help expanding the BA program to MA level and ultimately to PhD once the required expertise is available. In such a case, the number of Deaf students going into the tertiary level would increase. Socially, it would contribute to the promotion of EthSL as a better communication means for the Ethiopian Deaf community and its associated members. In other words, the research will increase understanding and general respect about the current situation of EthSL and will be an important resource for the ongoing development of EthSL. Lastly, the information gained from this research will be a valuable resource for those concerned with policy issues in connection with sign language and Deaf education in Ethiopia.”