Celine Mouzannar (bottom left) interpreting in sign language one of the episodes of Elias Tawk (right.) Tawk is a prominent Lebanese disability advocate, public speaker, and media figure. (Credit: Photo sent by Mouzannar to L'Orient Today)
On International Day of Sign Languages, deaf people continue to face barriers to information, education, workplaces and emergency services, with accessibility remaining limited across many areas of daily life.Celine Mouzannar, a sign language interpreter and accessibility and inclusion consultant, spoke to L’Orient Today about Lebanese Sign Language, how culture shapes the signs people use and the barriers deaf people face in Lebanon.What is Lebanese Sign Language?There is no single universal sign language; instead, there are around 300 sign languages worldwide. In Lebanon, there are several dialects rather than one standardized Lebanese Sign Language. The signs people use depend on the region, the school they attended and the Deaf Community they grew up in. Read also: 10 years later, Lebanon reactivates National Authority for People...
On International Day of Sign Languages, deaf people continue to face barriers to information, education, workplaces and emergency services, with accessibility remaining limited across many areas of daily life.Celine Mouzannar, a sign language interpreter and accessibility and inclusion consultant, spoke to L’Orient Today about Lebanese Sign Language, how culture shapes the signs people use and the barriers deaf people face in Lebanon.What is Lebanese Sign Language?There is no single universal sign language; instead, there are around 300 sign languages worldwide. In Lebanon, there are several dialects rather than one standardized Lebanese Sign Language. The signs people use depend on the region, the school they attended and the Deaf Community they grew up in. Read also: 10 years later, Lebanon reactivates National Authority for...
