Exploring the Traces of Linguistic Imperialism: Towards the Decolonisation of South African Sign Language

Abstract

Indigenous languages in South Africa including South African Sign Language (SASL) are still undermined and neglected, underpinned by a traumatising history of oppression, ethnic divide and colonialism. The study reviewed literature concerning the decolonisation of SASL as a meaningful way of reclaiming Deaf communities' identity and their sign language. An Afrocentric paradigm that places the interests of African people at the centre of the analysis was employed in this study. This chapter further discusses the strategies being established in South Africa and other parts of the world to decolonise SASL for the benefit of Deaf communities. It was recommended that decolonial strategies and language development policy be implemented and be the subject of authentic Deaf-led training and awareness-raising programme for community members.