South African Sign Language
Alphabet and Animals
A new alphabet book endorsed by the National Institute for the Deaf, to help make learning South Africa's 12th official language easy and accessible
I Love Coffee is a social enterprise that empowers Deaf youth through skills development, workplace readiness training and employment opportunities in the coffee and hospitality industries. They believe Deafness is not a barrier to success - limited access to opportunity is.
W for Why this book?
The why behind the book and how it was brought to life
This book has been a labour of love and four years in the making, from initial concepts to finally being published. I wanted to start a series of resources that were fun and engaging to make learning sign language in South Africa more fun and accessible for everyone, and to encourage all hearing people to make an effort to learn SASL, and make every day life more accessible for the Deaf community.
Learning sign language is also an impactful early communication tool for infants, and non-verbal children or adults.
Having the corresponding animals for each letter, not only introduces native South African animals, but acts as a visual imagery mnemonic to help with memorisation.
A special thank you to the national institute for the deaf
After my initial illustrations were completed, I got in touch with NID because I wanted to make sure that when this book was out in the world, it would be accurate and beneficial as a learning tool. The NID has been an invaluable collaborator, and this book wouldn't be published without their kindness, and dedication to serving the community. It has been a privilege learning from them and working together to make this book, and more on the way, a reality!
"Inspired by love – NID is driven by the passionate heartfelt pursuit to give a life of connection, purpose, hope, opportunity and prosperity to the Deaf and persons with hearing loss and their families."
The National Institute for the Deaf (NID), established in 1881 and based in Worcester, Western Cape, is one of South Africa’s oldest organisations serving Deaf persons and individuals with hearing loss. As a registered Non-Profit Company (NPC), with PBO status, NID has been dedicated to improving the wellbeing, and quality of life of the Deaf community.
The NID offers compassionate care facilities for both the Deaf Multiple Disabled Adult and Deaf Elderly. Through specialised services, guidance, work partnerships, social and spiritual development programmes, and ongoing support, NID empowers individuals with hearing loss to reach their full potential. The organisation believes that, with the right support, understanding, and opportunities, Deaf persons can lead confident, fulfilling, and independent lives.
NID also provides a range of valuable South African Sign Language (SASL) resources, including an online Resource Hub, an Online SASL Video Dictionary (available as both a website and mobile app), online courses, and other learning tools. These resources make learning SASL and supporting the Deaf community easy, accessible, and practical for everyone.
Do you want to be the first to get a copy of the book?
There will be books for sale at the launch on the 31st of October, and all pre-orders will be shipped after the launch.