Just like any of the other 11 official languages in South Africa, it’s important to know at least these five SASL signs.
In 2023, South African Sign Language officially became Mzansi’s 12th official language, becoming the first sign language to achieve official status in Africa. This was a major milestone for Deaf rights in South Africa, with approximately 600,000+ people using it across the country. Not everyone knows South African Sign Language basics, though.
Learning it has mostly been left to relatives and friends of Deaf people. But Deaf individuals are active, independent members of our communities, and if you encounter someone who uses SASL in public spaces, knowing some basic signs can help facilitate meaningful communication. Below are some basic South African Sign Language signs everyone should know.
Five SASL Basic Signs You Need To Know
Sorry
Using your dominant hand, make a fist and rub it in a circular motion over your heart.
Please
Place your dominant hand flat over your heart and move it in a clockwise circle.
I understand/Don’t Understand
Hold your closed hand near your forehead and flick your index finger upward. This means you understand, but doing it while shaking your head means you don’t understand.
Help
Make a fist with your thumb facing upwards (but not extended). Place it on top of the flat horizontal palm of your other hand. Raise both hands together to complete the sign.
Thank You
Facing the person you’re thanking, hold your flat hand at your chin and then extend it upwards.
NB! If you’ve ever seen SASL on the news or TV, you’ll notice that signers use expressive facial expressions; this is crucial, even when using South African Sign Language basics, as facial expressions convey tone and meaning to Deaf people.
Did You Know?
South African Sign Language has its own complex grammar and syntax and isn’t based on any single language; it is instead an independent and unique language. It is also different from American Sign Language (ASL) and British Sign Language (BSL), and there are even variations of it in different provinces.
Impressed by your ability to use the above signs? Learn some more South African Sign Language from apps and social media channels.
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