September 9, 2004

EDUCATION FLAW IN

SIGN LANGUAGE

By Philip C. Tubeza

This is in reference to the INQUIRER’S news item “Deaf also mark National Language Month.” (PDI, 8/30/04) Although the teachers of the Southeast Asian Institute for the Deaf correctly observe the general unfamiliarity of deaf students with Filipino, their opinions on Filipino Sign Language (FSL) are not quite accurate.

FSL was not devised by educators. It is a visual language that evolved naturally among the Filipino “Deaf.” Unfortunately, despite evidence that it has been in use for virtually four centuries, the government has not really recognized it, much less supported its actual use in classroom instruction or communication. By on means is FSL artificially devised. It is not like the numerous Manually Coded English systems underlying the communication philosophy employed by the majority of public and private schools.

The responsibility of producing deaf graduates who ate virtual aliens to their own Philippine languages rests on a formal educational system that has placed emphasis and prestige on the use of artificial sign English systems and American Sign Language. The anachronism and impracticality (and even danger, as the article points our) of such a stance is an matter that the Department of Education, Commission on Higher for the Welfare of Disabled Persons have to address in the next few years.

FSL, if used in the curriculum as part of a bilingual framework, can certainly make a difference in the comprehension of written Filipino (or any written language for that matter). However, FSL should not be mistaken as being related to, or be seen as a product of, spoken or written Filipino. Like all other visual languages, FSL possesses a complex hierarchy of linguistic devices. Some of these, it holds in common with spoken languages; the rest are unique to themselves.

It is an entity distinct from any spoken (Filipino, English ) or sign language. It consists of indigenous elements, and bears clear imprints of language contact and history. It is not only a bona fide language but is also a symbol for the Filipino Deaf community. It reflects the progressive view of deafness beyond impairment as well as the collective pride and identity of deaf Filipinos as a linguistic minority. Such a view of FSL is strongly supported by empirical data gathered by the National Sign Language Committee and elucidated in forthcoming linguistics reference series and dictionaries prepared by the Philippine Federation of the Deaf and this organization.

The writer, Volt Contreras, uses deaf with a lower case d. The cultural term. “Deaf” is used when referring to the community of users of the natural sign language, and held together by common goals, values and aspirations. The term deaf describes individuals focusing only on their hearing impairment as a medical condition. Deaf individuals are all deaf but not all “Deaf” are deaf.

September 12, 2004

COURTS ALLOWED TO HIRE

SIGN LANGUAGE EXPERTS

By Liza B. Martinez

Recognizing the need to address the unique needs of deaf-mute witnesses and litigants, the Supreme Court has allowed the hiring of sign language experts.

Chief justice Hilario Davide,Jr. authorized the hiring on the recommendation of trial court judges who said services of sign language experts are required in a significant number of cases.

Before all requests for the hiring of sign language interpreter had to be coursed through the office of the Court Administrator. This often delayed proceedings.

“The order is expected to facilitate cases before trial courts involving parties or requiring witnesses who may require a sign language interpreter to be fully understood. The hiring of such services would also prevent the possible miscarriage of justice,” Davide’s said in a memorandum.

The sign language experts will be paid on a day or a per appearance basis. The cost will be charged against the savings of lower courts.

September 14, 2004

SC OKAYS EASIER HIRING BY TRIAL COURTS OF SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETERS

By Philip C. Tubeza

TO HELP the hearing- and speech-impaired and to avoid trial delays, Chief justice hilarious divide in on Friday made it easier for courts around the country to hire sign language interpreter.

In a memorandum, Davide authorized court administrator Presbitero Velascfo Jr. to grant requests of trial court judges to hire sign language interpreters in their sales to help the hearing and speech-impaired litigants and witness during court proceedings.

The order is expected to facilitate cases before trial. Courts involving parties or witnesses who may require a sign language interpreter to be fully understood,” Davide said.  The hiring of such services would also prepare the possible miscarriage of justice,” he replied.

Before, the office of the Court Administrator had to ask the permission of the Supreme Court before allowing a trial court judge to hire a sign language interpreter-a procedure that sometimes caused delays.

But under Memorandum Order No. 59-2004. Davide not only allowed the court administrator to grant requests to hire interpreters he was also authorized to fix their fees on a per-day or a per-appearance basis.

Davide said the fees shall be charged against the savings in appropriations for the lower courts.