You want to speak with a Deaf colleague or customer, but you don't know sign language. How do you begin?

Once you have their attention, try showing a short message on your phone or writing: “Would you prefer to type, write or communicate another way?” Let their response guide you.

September is Deaf Awareness Month. Learning how communication preferences differ can help you handle everyday conversations with more confidence and consideration.

What helps during a conversation?

Not every Deaf person uses South African Sign Language, and not everyone can lip-read. Respecting individual preferences is central.

• Offer a written option: Use your phone or pen and paper to exchange messages if the person is comfortable doing so.
• Maintain eye contact: Stay engaged with the person throughout the conversation.
• Do not assume lip-reading will work: Check whether this is how they prefer to communicate.
• Use gestures where helpful: Pointing to an item or showing what you mean may support understanding.
• Stay patient: If one approach is not working, try another rather than giving up.

Sign language is more than an alphabet.

South African Sign Language, or SASL, became South Africa’s 12th official language in 2023. It is a language in its own right, with its own grammar and vocabulary. 

There is no single universal sign language, so choose material that specifically teaches SASL.

Fingerspelling is used for names and words without an established sign, among other purposes. Learning the alphabet is a useful introduction, but it is only one part of communicating in SASL.

Watch, download and learn.

The National Institute for the Deaf’s free resources page includes introductory material you can watch or keep for reference:

• Watch: Select “Deaf Awareness” in the videos section for an introduction.
• Download everyday signs: Look for “Commonly used SASL signs”.
• Practise fingerspelling and numbers: Download “SASL Counting & Alphabet”.

These materials offer a starting point. A poster can be a useful reminder, while further practice and instruction are needed to develop conversational skills.

Join the Silent Walk and Run

The Neema Foundation for the Deaf’s 10th annual Silent Walk and Run takes place at Rietvlei Zoo Farm on Sunday, 13 September.

The organisers say the event brings Deaf and hearing communities together, raises awareness and helps fund programmes supporting Deaf people. 

• Date: Sunday, 13 September 2026
• Time: Gates open at 08:00; the walk starts at 09:00
• Venue: Rietvlei Zoo Farm, 101 Swartkoppies Road, Alberton
• Tickets: Listed at R80–R300. Check the category and what it includes when booking through Webtickets.
• Phone: 087 265 5175
• WhatsApp: 060 019 1981
• Email: info@foundationneema.org

For route and accessibility arrangements, contact the organiser before booking. 

The Bottom Line

Keep a way to exchange written messages available, allow time for a response and follow the person’s communication preference. Knowing a few signs can help you begin learning, but patience and a willingness to understand belong in every conversation.