South African Sign Language Deaf Community Research Training

Objectives:
• Understand the historical and cultural context of the South African Deaf community
• Identify key concepts in sign language linguistics
• Recognize ethical considerations in Deaf community research
• Explore the role of the researcher in Deaf studies
• Outline the structure and outcomes of the training

Topics:
• Overview of South African Sign Language (SASL) and its status
• History and culture of the Deaf community in South Africa
• Introduction to Deafhood and Deaf epistemology
• Research ethics: informed consent, confidentiality, and community engagement
• The SAQA unit standard 115806 and its requirements
• Basic SASL greetings and cultural protocols

Objectives:
• Describe the linguistic structure of SASL (phonology, morphology, syntax)
• Differentiate between qualitative and quantitative research approaches
• Understand the importance of visual-spatial modalities in data collection
• Identify appropriate research designs for Deaf community studies
• Practice basic SASL communication for research contexts

Topics:
• Phonology of SASL: handshapes, movements, locations, palm orientation, non-manual markers
• Morphology and syntax: classifiers, verb agreement, and sentence structure
• Qualitative methods: ethnographic observation, interviews, and focus groups
• Quantitative methods: surveys and experimental designs in sign language research
• Visual-spatial data collection techniques (video recording, annotation)
• SASL vocabulary for research: consent, interview, observation

Objectives:
• Explain principles of community-based participatory research (CBPR)
• Develop strategies for building trust and collaboration with Deaf communities
• Identify barriers to participation and ways to overcome them
• Apply CBPR frameworks to SASL research projects
• Practice SASL communication for community engagement

Topics:
• Principles of CBPR: co-learning, shared power, and mutual benefit
• Building relationships with Deaf community leaders and organisations
• Cultural humility and reflexivity in research
• Addressing language access and communication preferences
• Case studies of CBPR in Deaf communities
• SASL vocabulary for collaboration: partnership, feedback, empowerment

Objectives:
• Select appropriate data collection tools for visual-gestural languages
• Use video recording and annotation software effectively
• Design culturally sensitive interview protocols
• Manage and store data securely in compliance with ethics
• Practice SASL for technical research discussions

Topics:
• Video recording best practices: lighting, framing, consent
• Annotation tools: ELAN, iLex, and other software
• Designing interview questions for Deaf participants
• Using interpreters and co-researchers from the community
• Data management plans and confidentiality
• SASL vocabulary for technology: camera, record, file, data

Objectives:
• Apply linguistic annotation and analysis techniques to SASL data
• Conduct thematic analysis of qualitative data from Deaf communities
• Identify patterns in non-manual markers and discourse structures
• Interpret findings within cultural and linguistic contexts
• Practice SASL for analytical discussions

Topics:
• Linguistic annotation: glossing, tier systems, and transcription conventions
• Thematic analysis: coding, theme development, and interpretation
• Analysing non-manual markers: facial expressions, head movements, and gaze
• Discourse analysis: turn-taking, cohesion, and narrative structure
• Triangulation and member checking with Deaf participants
• SASL vocabulary for analysis: pattern, meaning, interpretation

Objectives:
• Develop strategies for accessible dissemination of research findings
• Create outputs that benefit the Deaf community (e.g., reports, videos, workshops)
• Understand the role of research in advocacy and policy change
• Communicate findings in SASL and written English
• Practice presenting research in SASL

Topics:
• Accessible dissemination: SASL summaries, captioned videos, plain language reports
• Community feedback sessions and workshops
• Academic publishing: sign language journals and conferences
• Using research for advocacy: policy briefs, awareness campaigns
• Ethical considerations in sharing results
• SASL vocabulary for dissemination: share, present, publish

Objectives:
• Synthesise knowledge and skills from all days into a research plan
• Demonstrate competence in SASL communication for research
• Complete a practical assessment (e.g., research proposal or presentation)
• Reflect on ethical responsibilities and ongoing learning
• Identify resources for continued professional development

Topics:
• Group work: designing a mini-research project using CBPR
• Practical assessment: presenting a research plan in SASL
• Peer feedback and reflection
• Certification requirements and portfolio evidence for SAQA
• Networking and community resources
• Lifelong learning: conferences, online communities, advanced training