South African Sign Language
Official source
Source domain: thuthukani.org.za
Collected on 29 July 2026
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Connect with the SA National Deaf Association
The document provides contact details for the SA National Deaf Association, which supports the Deaf community and may offer further opportunities for engagement, advocacy, or learning.
- Who it is for
- deaf individuals, families, educators, and advocates
- How to act on it
- Visit sanda.org.za to connect with the SA National Deaf Association for support, events, or resources.
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There are several places where you can find resources – the Google App DEAFinition gives very clear guidelines on SASL to use for commonly used words and phrases.
Download and use the DEAFinition Google App
The document recommends the DEAFinition app as a tool for learning common SASL signs and phrases, making it easier to communicate using sign language.
- Who it is for
- individuals seeking accessible tools to learn and use SASL
- How to act on it
- Download the DEAFinition app from Google Play to access clear guidelines on SASL for everyday use.
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The Google App DEAFinition gives very clear guidelines on SASL to use for commonly used words and phrases.
Access SASL resources via RealSASL website
The document lists the RealSASL website as a source for learning South African Sign Language, offering structured guidance on signs and grammar rules.
- Who it is for
- learners, educators, and members of the public interested in SASL
- How to act on it
- Visit the RealSASL website to access tutorials and sign language guides.
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There are several places where you can find resources – the Google App DEAFinition gives very clear guidelines on SASL to use for commonly used words and phrases.
Learn South African Sign Language (SASL)
The document encourages anyone interested to learn SASL, especially to support inclusion of the deaf community. It highlights practical tips such as maintaining eye contact, speaking normally, using simple language, and incorporating basic signs to improve communication.
- Who it is for
- anyone with communication challenges or interest in including deaf people
- How to act on it
- Study the provided guidance on SASL grammar, communication tips, and use the listed resources to learn signs and practice.
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It does not help if only the deaf learner knows how to sign, hearing people also need to learn SASL to empower and include our deaf community.
Facts
Places
KwaZulu-Natal
Key Takeaways
- SASL described as an official language in South Africa (written into law books)
- Thuthukani Special School uses SASL as a support language for learners with communication challenges
- SASL communication uses hand positions, hand movements, and facial expressions
- Mentions the “I Love You” sign (ILY) as a useful sign and used as a greeting in Deaf Culture
- Communication tips: make good eye contact, speak normally, use simple language, no need to shout
- SASL differs from American/British sign languages (as stated in the text)
- SASL is described as not language-bound; same signs used across South African languages (spelling changes meaning)
- Basic SASL grammar structure given: Subject, Object, Verb (example: BOY GIRL KISS)
- Questions come at the end of the sentence (example: BOY KISS WHO)
- Time/date comes at the beginning (example: YESTERDAY, BOY GIRL KISS)
- Time/date with questions example: LAST WEEK, BOY KISS WHO?
- Resource sites named: realsasl.com, Google App “DEAFinition”, sanda.org.za (SA National Deaf Association)
- Thuthukani Special School
- South African Sign Language (SASL)
- Deaf Culture
- RealSASL (realsasl.com)
- DEAFinition (Google App)
- SA National Deaf Association (sanda.org.za)
- Focus Poynt