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23 September 2022 | Story Rulanzen Martin | Photo Rulanzen Martin
Donovan Wright
Donovan Wright is currently pursuing his PhD in South African Sign Language linguistics at the UFS.

Donovan Wright recently joined the University of the Free State (UFS) as a lecturer in the Department of South African Sign Language (SASL) and Deaf Studies. As a passionate young academic, Wright ‘found his love’ for SASL during his undergraduate years at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits). 

In 2016, for the fulfilment of his master’s degree at Wits, Wright completed a thesis titled ‘A preliminary description of South African Sign Language syntax’. He is currently pursuing his PhD at Wits, and his research interests lie in the linguistics of SASL, which became his focus during his postgraduate studies. In his PhD research he focuses on (particular) constructions within SASL and how to best describe and analyse them. “I chose to use an approach to language and grammar not tied to how we perceive and understand spoken languages,” he says. 

‘Teaching SASL is my great passion’

His appointment as a SASL lecturer at the UFS is a fulfilment of his passion for teaching. “Sign languages are commonly misunderstood and thought to be pantomime or gesture,” he says.  “These common misconceptions are the first topic we tackle – whether by linguistic or social argument.” As a SASL linguistics lecturer he says it’s this aspect of the modules that is so rewarding, especially “seeing students realise something new about a sign they already know and have been using. Learning about language while learning a language has its benefits.” 

Empowering students is about access

Wright says access to education is a fundamental right for every student, and that empowering Deaf scholars will ultimately improve how Deaf students access information at universities and elsewhere. “While many students attend university and access their education in a language that is not their mother tongue, Deaf students using SASL are additionally learning across modalities.” 

September is designated as Deaf Awareness Month, with one important aim being to highlight and improve sign language education. The Department of South African Sign Language and Deaf Studies has planned numerous events and initiatives during this month, which will raise awareness and provide community education by visiting schools.  

“The next step is ensuring an environment in which Deaf students who choose to pursue a career in academia are not hindered. Our Deaf students are our future Deaf academics,” Wright says. 

• Members of the Department of South African Sign Language and Deaf Studies will, among other planned events, provide community interpreting services and visit schools in surrounding areas. This year the department is launching a university ‘Deaf Space’ where students, staff, or anyone wishing to engage in SASL can interact, provided you ‘leave your voice at the door’. 


News Archive

Double Spring Festival
2007-08-15

 
DOUBLE SPRING FESTIVAL!
1 – 2 September 2007
 
The Department of Music and the Free State Youth Symphony Orchestra is presenting a Double Spring Festival for double pleasure!
 
Saturday, 1 September 2007
Odeion
19:30
Free State Youth Symphony Orchestra
 
The Free State Youth Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Sjoerd Alkema will perform works by Sibelius (Finlandia), Mozart (Double Piano Concerto), Chabrier, Weber and Schubert. Pianists Nicol Viljoen and Sjoerd Alkema will perform the double piano concerto together with the orchestra.
 
Sunday, 2 September 2007
Odeion
16:00
The Three Brahms Piano Trios
 
Three of our country’s leading musicians will give you the opportunity to hear all three of the piano trios by composer Johannes Brahms in one concert! Well known pianist Albie van Schalkwyk (currently Departmental Chairperson at the UFS Department of Music) will perform with cellist Anmarie van der Westhuizen and violinist Pieter Schoeman.
 
ADMISSION (double ticket)
Adults (R80)
Pensioners, Students and learners (R60)
 
BOOKINGS
Tel. 051 – 401 2504
   
  

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