The Irish Deaf Community has been working toward the recognition of their language and culture for some years.  In recognition of their assertion as a collective group with a unique language and a culture that has evolved over several generations our courses always address not only the language itself but deaf culture, folklore, history, tradition and values.  These are the fabric of any community and shape the thinking of its people.

Successful integration of learners of any language as a second language is dependent on becoming culturally aware – bilingual and bicultural.  To acquire such competency successfully there is nothing better than to travel to the country, mix with the natives, eat in their restaurants, go to the theatre and literally experience, and absorb the social nuances, the parlance of everyday life.

Learning sign language is different in this respect – there is no Deaf Island or country to immerse in for a few months.  To this end we would like to establish a club for people interested in ISL.  This club has begun in a small way with a network of families who use ISL at home.  These families may have one or more deaf members in the household.  They have been meeting for several social events a year and it has been enjoyable, and a creative way to learn the language.

We would now like to extend this club to anyone learning ISL and of course to deaf people; those who grew up with sign language and deaf or hard of hearing people who may be learning or interested in learning sign language as adults.  We would like to run several social functions a year in ISL and encourage a ‘Gaeltacht’ so to speak of ISL users.  If you are interested in joining click on this email link: info@cslstudies.com.  Membership is free.  Come on – give it a go.  You do not have to live in the West to join as events will be well signposted in advance.