The Challenges Facing Tanzanian Sign Language Learners: A Case Of Special Schools For The Deaf

ABSTRACT

The study intended to examine the challenges facing Tanzanian Sign Language

learners. It, specifically, focused on the examination of those challenges which Sign

Language learners face while learning their language. It also focused on investigating

the causes of challenges facing TSL learners. The study also aimed at finding out

possible solutions towards eradication of the challenges. It was guided by the

Linguistic Interdependence Theory propounded by Jim Cummins (1981). The study

employed a purposive sampling method. The data were gathered through

questionnaires, semi-structured interview, lesson observation and documentary

review from two special Deaf and Hard of Hearing schools in Dar es Salaam and

Dodoma region.

The findings of the study revealed that, TSL learners were facing a number of

challenges. The language itself was neither taught as a subject to TSL learners nor

examined by schools or NECTA. The research also found that, TSL teachers and

learners were using the normal curricula which were designed for hearing pupils. The

findings revealed further that most of the challenges facing TSL learners were caused

by policies, curricula and lack of awareness of hearing community towards

Deaf/Hard of Hearing matters including their Sign language.

The study, therefore, recommends intensive awareness campaigns for Deaf/Hard of

Hearing matters including their TSL for the aim of changing the hearing

community‟s attitude towards Deaf people. It also encourages the establishment of

new special curriculum for the Deaf which would accommodate the teaching of TSL

as a subject and use it as a medium of instruction to all Deaf schools and units. It is

further recommended that, further researches should be conducted to examine

linguistic aspects of the TSL since the TSL is linguistically a comprehensive

language like normal spoken languages.