Support for putting into Print 3-4-2006

Support for putting into Print

First MHI Religious Sign Language Dictionary

 

Introduction

            Interpretation for the Deaf has been part of the ministry of MHI since it first began at the 9am Prayer and Praise Service every Sunday in 1992.There is a need for an updated religious sign dictionary. The only religious sign dictionary in the market is printed more than 15 years ago.

            As more and more Deaf become Christians and they demand to know and understand the Bible better, more signs are evolved and used. However there is no authority to invent new signs in order to fulfill the vast vocabulary related to teaching the Bible.  Each interpreter attempts to convey to the deaf audience in his own way so that the message can be understood.

            We intend to collect and compile a list of religious signs most commonly used by interpreters in MHI.  We do not propose to be the authority however we certain will not mind to raise the discussion of the different signs with other religious bodies who have a vested interest with the lives of the Deaf.

            We took a look at the various sign language dictionaries available. We noted a few things : 1) Some dictionary only has pictures. They are either hand drawn or in photos.  2) Some dictionary only help the reader to know how the sign is done.  3) Some dictionary includes a short explanation of the meaning of the word. 4) Some dictionary explains why the sign is done in that manner.

 

            Our Religious Sign Language after discussion with the panel has decided:

1)      We shall use photos

2)      We will explain in words how the sign is done

3)      We will explain the theological meaning of the word in a simple way

4)      We will even give explanations of why the sign is being done a particular way

 

 

Our Religious Sign Language panel has decided the use of the dictionary is for :

 

1) For the Deaf to understand what the interpreters are signing

2) For the Deaf to understand in a simple way what the words mean

3) For the Interpreters to standardize the way we interpret for the Deaf

 

 

I ask for help from the Committee to:

1) Be aware of the Project that has started since last year.

2) Help us with printing costs. The profits will definitely go back to back for the printing costs.

3) Decide how we are to sell these dictionaries, ie internal or even to the public.