19 Feb 2020

We are living in a society where people are too reluctant to learn sign language, though the deaf and mute are a major part of society as they stay, play, communicate and work with those who are considered ‘normal’.

The big question is whether in all their interactions, there is proper communication and understanding.

In some peri-urban and urban areas, this may not be such a major concern as there are schools and organisations that teach sign language to the deaf and mute.

It is people in rural and far flung areas, who are mostly challenged.

In an observation, the deaf and mute do not work in secluded environments, but in the same environments as everyone.

It is quite noticeable that those working with them however, have no choice, but to find means of communicating with them.

To understand the breadth and depth of the challenge, BOPA spoke to deaf and mute people, among them Mr Samuel Motlhabeng, who grew up in the rural village of Moralane in the Central District, where there are no sign language institutions, for him to learn the standard sign language.

He said circumstances forced him to find ways to communicate with those he stayed with so that at least they could understand him and be able to assist when there is need.

Mr Motlhabeng said although through his own sign language, he can communicate a few things, it is still difficult, more especially when he has to converse with other people, who do not understand his sign language, since it is not standard.

He explained that he has not been able to acquire a lot of things in life because at times, he gets misinterpreted or becomes impatient trying to make signs of what he wants/needs, and the next person does not get him.

“One of the most traumatic events I can narrate is the recent one when I had to testify during Mr Mogalakwe Mogalakwe’s just ended election petition case,” he said.

He explained that he had to sit in the courtroom as people discussed whether he was eligible to testify or not, and he only had to hear that from the petitioner after a conclusion was reached.

Mr Motlhabeng said that as much as he understood their views, he believes he has the right to express himself and to be heard.

“This was one of the worst experiences I ever had, it is just that I am a naturally jolly person.

I face this discrimination a lot and it is wrong,” he said.

The Independent Electoral Commission’s Advocate Otsile Rammidi had argued that Mr Motlhabeng should not be allowed to testify as his language was only known by him and nobody else.

He had pleaded with the court not to allow him to testify, explaining that his interpreter cound not be trusted to tell the court exactly what he was saying.

Meanwhile, Ms Motlalepula Moleti, who studied her sign language at Wits University in South Africa says the language is slightly different from the one used in Botswana, which at times hinders her communication with those who learnt the language in this country.

She said the standardisation of sign language could be the only saviour, as information in the deaf society gets twisted every now and then.

“It is about time sign language becomes a subject in schools, to be taught to all because the deaf and mute are suffering,” she added.

Another member of the deaf community, Kaone Matlapeng explained how she faced a traumatic incident when she went to the bank to get money from an account her brother opened for her.

She narrates that the problem began when she was told that it would be difficult to assist her as the person she had gone with for interpretation was not trusted.

“I wonder how someone I completely do not know can boldly tell me that they do not trust my interpreter, whom I lived with all my life,” she said.

Ms Matlapeng said it is even more traumatising when they have to visit institutions like health centres and shops.

“This other day I got sick when I was home alone.

I decided to go to the clinic.

Sadly, when I got there, the doctor told me to go and find someone who could interpret what I am saying, to avoid misdiagnosing me,” she said.

She further said that it would be of great help if there could be at least one interpreter for the deaf and mute in public institutions.

Botswana Society for the Deaf director, Ms Rapelang Mokgosi said though sign language in Botswana is not standardised, the difference in signs was not much and chances of information getting distorted during communication were slim.

Ms Mokgosi however, said the association was tirelessly working towards standardising the sign language in Botswana.

She said that sign language, like any other language, is an independent language and should not be associated with other languages.

“We use English language to teach sign language because Botswana is still a developing country, our plan though, is to eventually teach sign language in Setswana, so that it favours all Batswana,” she said.

Ms Mokgosi said together with stakeholders, they recently started a project where they visit rural areas to reach out to the deaf and mute.

She explained that at times, family members of the deaf and mute do not get to be informed about their services and out reaches or at times are reluctant to bring them forth for assistance.

“The society does not only assist children, even the old as being deaf and mute can come at a later stage in life, other than right from birth,” she said.

She said that they had so far enrolled 6 000 people for sign language classes and many others whom they reach out to for free.

Ms Mokgosi said that she wishes for a day when all national events such as State Of the Nation Address and Independence Day celebrations will be interpreted in sign language.

“We always try hard to bring the deaf community together when there are important events airing on television and have one person interpret for them, but it is not enough as they are scattered all over the country.

News reader and Talk Back producer at Botswana Television, Keneetswe Thekiso said though they work with the deaf and mute to interpret news, she has realised the need for journalists, as disseminators of information, to learn sign language.

“Before a live news broadcast, we always practice with the interpreters, so that they get a picture of what the news is all about and know which signs to use prior to the broadcast,” she said.

Ms Thekiso however said they have not had any complaints from the public concerning the type of language used. ENDS