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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’. 


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UFS will award four honorary doctorates during Winter Graduation ceremonies
2016-06-29

Four honorary doctorates and two Chancellor’s medals will be awarded at the University of the Free State’s Winter Graduation ceremonies.

Max du Preez, Prof Joel Samoff (both Humanities), Trevor Manuel, and Dr Reuel Jethro Khoza (both Economic and Management Sciences) will receive honorary doctorates during the morning ceremony of 30 June 2016. Antony Osler and Marguerite van der Merwe (née Osler) will receive Chancellor’s medals at the same ceremony. Prof Samoff, from Stanford University in the USA, will also be the guest speaker during the afternoon ceremony on 29 June 2016.

A total of 482 master’s and doctoral degrees

Description: 2016 06 20 Grad Pre Tags: 2016 06 20 Grad Pre
The University of the Free State will award

482 postgraduate qualifications at the
Winter
Graduation ceremonies.
Photo: Johan Roux

The Winter Graduation ceremonies will take place in the Callie Human Centre of the Bloemfontein Campus on 29 and 30 June 2016. On 29 June 2016, diplomas will be awarded in the School of Financial Planning Law, as well as diplomas and certificates for educational qualifications on the South Campus. On 30 June 2016, 53 doctorates and 429 master’s degrees will be awarded in the seven faculties.

Most of the doctorates (16) will be awarded in the Faculty of the Humanities, while most of the master’s degrees (204) will be awarded in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.

Date: 29 June 2016
Time:
09:00: Diplomas: School of Financial Planning Law
14:30: Diplomas and certificates: Educational qualifications of the South Campus
Venue: Callie Human Centre, Bloemfontein Campus

Date: 30 June 2016
Time:
09:00: Master’s and doctoral degrees: All faculties, except Natural and Agricultural Sciences
14:30: Master’s and doctoral degrees: Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
Venue: Callie Human Centre, Bloemfontein Campus

 

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