Singapore Sign Language Course

SINGAPORE SIGN LANGUAGE PROGRAMME

Interested in learning a deaf language and exploring a new culture? Singapore Sign Language (SgSL) is our native sign language recognised and accepted by the Deaf community in Singapore. SgSL comprises a combination of Shanghainese Sign Language (SSL), American Sign Language (ASL), Signing Exact English (SEE) and locally developed signs.

A “no-voice” teaching method is used to reinforce the learning experience. Participants learn through classroom instruction and role-play, as well as storytelling and handouts.

The SgSL course comprises of four levels:

  • Level One aims to develop capabilities in non-verbal, visual-gestural communication as well as the study of gestures as a form of communication, and visual language basics. Theme based and including activities in expressive and receptive skills, the course focuses on training learners in basic functions such as greetings and introductions. It also emphasises the systematic study of the SgSL vocabulary and structure. There will be no test or examination in this level.
  • Level Two is a continuation of Level One, expanding the emphasis on developing signing skills and sign communication. There will be test or examination in this level.
  • Level Three is a continuation of Level Two. There will be test or examination in this level.
  • Level Four emphasises the deeper study of the SgSL vocabulary and structure based on the various themes. There will be video assignments in this level as well as test or examination.

Courses and Programmes We Offer
We offer a range of sign language courses and customised Deaf awareness workshops/programmes. We also cater to the needs of frontline professionals such as medical staff, police, emergency and social workers.


Singapore Sign Language (SgSL) Course 
Classes and workshops are conducted in the weekday evenings and held at SADeaf premises, and open to everyone above 16 years old only.

Course TitleDurationVenueCourse Fee (inclusive of 9% GST)Course Fee (inclusive of 9% GST)Pre-requisite
MemberNon-member
DCCL and Level One (Physical)26 hours (once a week)
13 lessons X 2 hours
Internal1$272.50$305.20Beginners with no previous knowledge of the Deaf Community, Culture and sign language.
DCCL and Level One (Physical)26 hours (once a week)
13 lessons X 2 hours
External2$294.30$327.00Beginners with no previous knowledge of the Deaf Community, Culture and sign language.
DCCL and Level One (Online)26 hours (twice a week)
13 lessons X 2 hours
$305.20$337.90Beginners with no previous knowledge of the Deaf Community, Culture and sign language.
Level Two (Physical)24 hours (once a week)
12 lessons X 2 hours
Internal$327.00$359.70Those who have completed and obtained certificate of attendance in Level One.
Level Two (Physical)24 hours (once a week)
12 lessons X 2 hours
External$348.80$381.50Those who have completed and obtained certificate of attendance in Level One.
Level Two (Online)24 hours (twice a week)
12 lessons X 2 hours
$359.70$392.40Those who have completed and obtained certificate of attendance in Level One.
Level Three (Physical)24 hours (once a week)
12 lessons X 2 hours
Internal$381.50$414.20Those who have completed and passed SgSL Level Two.
Level Three (Physical)24 hours (once a week)
12 lessons X 2 hours
External$403.30$436.00Those who have completed and passed SgSL Level Two.
Level Three (Online)24 hours (twice a week)
12 lessons X 2 hours
$414.20$446.90Those who have completed and passed SgSL Level Two.
Level Four (Physical)24 hours (once a week)
12 lessons X 2 hours
Internal$436.00$468.70Those who have completed and passed SgSL Level Three.
Level Four (Physical)24 hours (once a week)
12 lessons X 2 hours
External$457.80$490.50Those who have completed and passed SgSL Level Three.
Level Four (Online)24 hours (twice a week)
12 lessons X 2 hours
$468.70$501.40Those who have completed and passed SgSL Level Three.

Course fee update: To ensure the continued sustainability of our SgSL courses, we’ve updated our fees. This change comes in response to rising costs that affect how we run and support our programmes.

We want to assure you that this decision was made with care. Our commitment to keep sign language learning as welcoming and inclusive as possible remains unchanged, and we look forward to welcoming you, whether it’s your first class or a return to the community.

If you wish to have SgSL courses to be conducted at your school or company premises, please contact us for queries.

Thank you!


Frequently Asked Questions

Membership & Fees
  • How can I enjoy member rates for the courses?
    • To enjoy member rates, please apply for or renew your membership by the month before the term begins. You can apply, renew or view membership criteria and fees by visiting our membership page.
SkillsFuture Credits
  • Can I use my SkillsFuture credits to pay for the course?
    • Our application for renewal is underway. For the moment, SkillsFuture credits cannot be used, but once approved, we’ll update our channels.
  • Can I make an early reservation for a class while waiting for SkillsFuture approval?
    • We are unable to hold slots as we have to confirm schedules for our instructors and rooms, so they are ready for you.
Class Frequency, Attendance & Recordings
  • How often are online classes held?
    • Online classes are held twice a week via Zoom.
  • What is the attendance requirement to pass the course?
    • To protect participant privacy and maintain interactive learning, classes are not recorded and we do not offer makeup lessons. If you miss a class, feel free to approach your instructor to ask if they are available to arrange a separate session for you.
  • What is the attendance requirement to pass the course?
    • A minimum attendance rate of 75% is required for all levels. A reasonable proficiency is also required (don’t worry, our instructors will help you get there!) 
Information for Level 1 participants (DCCL)
  • What is DCCL, and is it compulsory?
    • DCCL offers participants the fundamentals on Deaf Community, Culture and Language. Understanding a bit about the community and culture is critical to understanding the language and makes it easier and more interesting for you.
    • It is the first session for all Level 1 participants and covers etiquette and essential course information. 
    • That’s why it’s compulsory.
  • How is the DCCL session conducted?
    • DCCL will be held online for online class participants and in-person for in-person participants. 
    • It will not be recorded.
    • Confirmed participants will be given a choice between a weekday evening or a Saturday morning to attend.
  • When will Level 1 participants receive the link to register for DCCL?
    • Confirmed Level 1 participants will receive a link to register for the DCCL session within two weeks of the course registration period closing.
Registration, Confirmation & Payment Timeline
  • When will I know if my class is confirmed to start?
    • You will be notified within two weeks of the course registration period closing.
  • What happens if my selected class cannot proceed?
    • We will reach out to you to offer alternative classes.
  • When and how do I make payment?
    • Confirmed participants will receive detailed payment instructions via email within a week of confirmation.
  • What will I receive after making payment?
    • Once your payment has been successfully made, you will receive:
      • An E-workbook (PDF)
      • The Class Zoom link
      • The DCCL Zoom link (applicable only to Level 1 participants)


SgSL Workshop (Half/Full Day) 
This workshop will introduce participants to strategies and techniques for dealing with individuals with hearing loss. Participants will learn the SgSL alphabet, basic sign language for daily communication, and communication strategies. Participants will also learn about deaf culture in order to have a better understanding on how to integrate with individuals with hearing loss.

Key Outcomes

This workshop gives participants an opportunity to :

  • acquire knowledge about Deaf culture and the Deaf
  • community.develop an awareness of SgSL communication behaviour
  • develop basic receptive and expressive skills for everyday communication situations.
  • learn basic grammar 

The content of this workshop will include

  • Deaf Culture and community
  • Language and communication strategies
  • Visual-gestural communication
  • SgSL vocabulary and basic grammar
  • Group learning and role play

This workshop will be conducted by a Deaf individual with experience in conducting workshops related to deafness and teaching of SgSL.
There is no formal assessment and each participant will receive a certificate upon completion of the workshop.


       
Work and Professional Programme
The Professional & Workplace course is specifically designed to fit your communication requirements. We will tailor a curriculum to suit your special professional needs using common vernacular and vocabulary. This will help your employees better understand the communication needs of the Deaf community, or be better prepared to work with Deaf colleagues or clients.

The eight-week course programme aims to provide employers with the appropriate and relevant information about people who are Deaf or Hard-of-hearing and provides an introduction to learning the sign language used by the Deaf community in Singapore.

The content of each session will vary according to the audience and context. Generally, we provide information on the following topics:

  • Deaf Culture and Community
  • Language and communication strategies
  • Working with someone who is Deaf
  • Support services for Deaf people
  • SgSL vocabulary
  • Customised theme based on your professional needs (i.e. healthcare, legal, tourism, etc.)

Number of participants
Minimum of 10 and maximum of 15 per class

Duration
Eight weeks, two hours per week, or it can be tailored to suit your needs.

Key Outcomes
This course gives your employees an opportunity to:

  • Create an accessible workplace for people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing
  • Improve your customer service quality
  • Allow your business to reach new markets 

 Course Cost
Course costs vary according to the programme which best meets your needs. We can customise the training to fit with your organisational requirements. The classes can be conducted at any time during working hours according to your organisation’s needs, and can be taught at your organisation or at the SADeaf premises. For classes outside SADeaf, travel expenses may be charged.

  1. Internal refers to programmes held at SADeaf premises.
  2. External refers to programmes held at the requestor's venue.