Towards Digital Language Resource for South African Sign Languages
The aims of this pilot project are to expand the availability of digital language resources for South African Sign Language through linking with various South African Sign Language stakeholders in collaboration with the Child Language Development node of SADiLaR and Handlab at Stellenbosch University.
Project Goals
- Gathering requirements pertaining to South African Sign Language resources, with the view to pilot and establish a sign bank for South African Sign Language through stakeholder engagements and community of practice development.
Events
May 2026
Earlier this year, on 29 May 2026, the South African Centre for Digital Language Resources (SADiLaR), in collaboration with its Child Language Development Node at Stellenbosch University and the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation, hosted an event aimed at advancing the inclusion of the South African Deaf community in digital spaces and strengthening accessibility through language technology and innovation. This hybrid event took place at the CSIR International Convention Centre (ICC) in Pretoria, bringing together the members of the SASL-using community, researchers, language practitioners, technology specialists, policymakers, and students. The event showcased pioneering research overseen by the Child Language Development Node and collaborative initiatives contributing to the development, accessibility and visibility of SASL in the digital era. Findings on traceable digital resources in SASL, requirements for a signbank for SASL, and a newly developed Learner Management System for SASL texts were disseminated and discussed with the audience. Overall, the event explored how research, digital tools, language technologies, and cross-sector collaborations can help address existing barriers and create more equitable opportunities for the Deaf community.
