Sign Language is more than just a means of communication; it's a powerful tool that bridges the gap between the Deaf and hearing communities, fostering inclusion and understanding.

In South Africa, the recognition of South African Sign Language (SASL) as an official language has underscored its importance, leading to a growing demand for Sign Language education. Naomi Matthys is one of the people dedicated to this course and is a Sign Language lecturer at the North-West University (NWU). She is known for her bright smile and her passion for and expertise in Sign Language.

Naomi's interest in Sign Language was sparked during a university class when she met a deaf student and her interpreter. She was so attracted by the language and culture, that she decided she wanted to deepen her understanding. This passion led her to become a SASL tutor, starting with first-year students and eventually teaching second and third-year students. Her dedication to the field grew as she took on roles such as a research assistant and educational interpreter.

She says her teaching has been enriched by the opportunity to teach an honours interpreting class, shaping her into the impactful lecturer she is today.

Naomi hails from Koffiefontein in the Free State and her academic journey began at the University of the Free State in 2015, where she obtained an undergraduate degree and honours degree in language practice and South African Sign Language and deaf studies.

She says her background, filled with a love for language and communication, has deeply influenced her career in Sign Language education. Growing up, she was involved in activities that centered around language, from solving crossword puzzles with her father to preparing debate speeches. She says these experiences shaped her teaching philosophy.

As a junior lecturer at the NWU, she coordinates the SASL modules for first and third-year students, covering theoretical and practical aspects. She teaches subjects related to Deaf culture, Sign Language linguistics, and more creative areas like Sign Language in theatre and art. She also develops all the activities and assessments for SASL, while her colleague, Dawie Melamu, a deaf educator, teaches practical signing skills.

Naomi adds that the most rewarding experiences in her career include witnessing her students apply their theoretical knowledge in real-life situations, especially during deaf awareness projects at schools for the Deaf. “Seeing my students thrive in the Deaf community, whether they are working at schools for the death or assisting with the Disciple Training School for the Deaf, brings me great joy. The relationships I have built with my students and the opportunity to witness their growth from their first to third year are precious to me.”

Naomi believes that including Sign Language in mainstream education is crucial for raising awareness about deafness and promoting early language acquisition. She emphasises that Sign Language is not just a set of gestures but a fully-fledged language with its own linguistic and grammatical rules. The formal recognition of SASL in South Africa has brought positive change, validating the language and raising awareness about the Deaf community's achievements.

Her message to those interested in learning Sign Language or pursuing a career in this field is simple: "Pursue it, put your heart into it, and realise the significance of learning the language."

Naomi Matthys