Journal of Languages for Specific Purposes (Mar 2019)
TEACHING SIGN LANGUAGE FOR HEALTHCARE WITHIN A LANGUAGES FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSES FRAMEWORK
Abstract
Languages for specific purposes is a subdiscipline of applied linguistics that looks at language learning and teaching for a specific education or training need. The long-established norm of this field is the teaching and learning of spoken languages. Sign languages have been excluded. This paper calls attention to this gap in the field and shows how a sign language can be taught and learnt for a specific purpose. This empirical work describes how students training to be healthcare practitioners are taught Jamaican Sign Language with a view to improving communication with Deaf patients when these students become healthcare practitioners. Overviews of course content as well as teaching and assessment methods are examined in light of the tenets of the field of languages for specific purposes. This is to assess how the content as well as teaching and assessment methods compare to current practice in the field of languages for specific purposes. Benefits of this programme are also presented. It is hoped that this paper sparks a much-needed discussion in the field of languages for specific purposes on the inclusion of sign languages and what best practice would look like in a subdiscipline of sign languages for specific purposes. Globally, the number of sign language courses offered at higher education institutions is increasing. It is a logical conclusion that more institutions will begin to offer sign language courses tailored for specific settings. The demand for such courses is just beginning. The need therefore to address the question of the place of sign languages for specific purposes within the field of languages for specific purposes is urgent.
