Publications
Partners
- Every Saturday, a group of hearing people gather to learn a language learnt in silence.
- Sign language classes at St Vincent School for the Deaf are about more than just learning a language.
- The classes offer a window into deaf culture.
Laughter echoes through the hallways of St Vincent School for the Deaf in Johannesburg every Saturday as a community of hearing people gather to learn a language that is spoken in total silence.
After a long week of teaching kids at the school, the head teacher of the group, Veronica Tesner, selflessly offers her time on the weekend to run free Sign language lessons for anyone who would like to come.
Her journey at the school started when she was placed there as a nun.
Her intention was to stay for a few months.
But she fell in love with the school and the language and has dedicated most of her waking minutes to the school over the last 20 years.
"This school is my purpose," said Tesner.
She added she ran the Saturday classes, together with her assistant, Sheila, free of charge because of how important it was for hearing people to be able to communicate with the deaf community.
READ | Sign language officially becomes SA's 12th official language
Given the small pool of people that deaf people can sign with, Tesner said it was important hearing people, especially loved ones, and family members, were able to communicate with deaf people in the language they were most comfortable with.
"We need to socialise and enjoy with our deaf community," she said.
She added:
Tesner added many deaf people struggled to find opportunities once they left deaf schools.
"Being able to communicate with people outside of school can be important for their development."
Open doors
The lessons are for anyone, who is at any level of sign language competency.
Beginners are placed in a different group, led by Sheila, to learn basic vocabulary and get familiar with Signing.
For those who remain with Tesner, the themes of the lessons often model the types of conversations that people in the group might want to be having with their loved ones.
"Especially now that sign language has become the 12th official language of South Africa, we need to teach our kids that they have rights and responsibilities," said Tesner.
People who want to attend the class with children are accommodated.
Building connections
Amina Khoza is the mother of a child with profound hearing loss.
She said Sign language was her daughter's natural language, and she was holding her back by not embracing that.
"So, I came to this school and re-enrolled her, and they told us that there is a sign language class for parents on Saturday and since that day I have not looked back.
"I come to the sign language class to learn, firstly for me to have an additional language, but to learn so that I can communicate effectively with my daughter."
Khoza added she found a lot of value in the group.
"I find so much value out of the school's intention to include us as parents as well so that we can have a solid relationship with our children.
"I have met one wonderful woman who selflessly give their time to teach us," she said.
- Watch the video to see the group in action and hear the experience of people who attend regularly.
