Learning sign language at university has been a rewarding experience for Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Project Support Manager, Charles Salt.
At the time, Charles was also learning Te Reo Māori as he believed understanding different languages allowed him to broaden his engagement with different people across the community.
“I think it is important to learn not just English but Te Reo Māori and sign language as well because they are also recognised as two of the three official languages of Aotearoa,” he says.
Charles completed his health science degree at Auckland University of Technology (AUT) last year and joined the PMA family to put his learning to practical use for his family and wider community.
“I decided to take the health sector path because I wanted to support the Pasifika community by doing my part to close the gap in health inequality”.
One of his motivations to learn sign language was to increase his awareness of another worldview, different to his own.
Charles attended an intensive eight-week course, taught two days a week over five hours. The course was taught by a deaf tutor and there was no speaking allowed in the class, with sign language the only way students could communicate with each other. This gave Charles a brief insight into what life would be like in a world of silence.
“I felt a sense of gratitude and the experience gave me more understanding and empathy towards the deaf community and what they have to deal with in everyday life.”
Charles’ sign language skills came in handy at his old job at an Auckland café, when he was able to serve and communicate with a deaf customer.
“She was writing her order on her cell phone, but I was able to take her order by using sign language. It may seem like a minor thing, but it put a huge smile on her face. It felt pretty cool knowing that I made her day just knowing a little bit of sign language.”
This week celebrates sign language and acknowledges that New Zealand is one of the few countries in the world that recognises sign language as an official language.
Sign language has been in the public eye in recent times, especially throughout the Covid-19 briefings. Interpreters have been signing on television alongside Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield. The briefings have normalised sign language and included the deaf community in everyday communication.
Charles says sign language is a valuable skill and he encourages everyone to learn.
“It gives you that extra connection with people and opens you up to experience another world view.”
#pmafamily
Date: Thursday 24 September 2020