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 an international sign language, usually used in international conferences for instance. However, Deaf communities prefer to use their national sign language, one of the reasons being that it is so deeply interlinked with their culture and identity. Read also: 10 years later, Lebanon reactivates National Authority for People with Disabilities Some signs used in...
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 an international sign language, usually used in international conferences for instance. However, Deaf communities prefer to use their national sign language, one of the reasons being that it is so deeply interlinked with their culture and identity. Read also: 10 years later, Lebanon reactivates National Authority for People with Disabilities Some signs used in...