Category Archive Uncategorized

Singapore Sign Language: The unique, visual language of Deaf Singaporeans

For Deaf Singaporeans, Singapore Sign Language (SgSL) is more than a set of gestures, and more than a way to communicate.

“It is a distinct language that embodies the cultural identity of the Deaf community in Singapore,” explains Josh Lye, executive director of The Singapore Association for the Deaf (SADeaf).

Phoebe Tay, a PhD candidate in linguistics who is deaf, describes SgSL as a natural sign language of Deaf Singaporeans with its own grammar and structure. It is a language that conveys meaning through a combination of hand shapes, movements and facial expressions, and has a grammatical structure that is distinct from spoken and written English.

For Deaf Singaporeans, SgSL is their language.

The term “deaf” (lower-case “d”) refers to the medical condition of hearing loss – in varying degrees. “Deaf” (capital letter “D”) describes people with hearing loss who identify as part of the Deaf community and prefer to use sign language.

SgSL evolved organically within the Deaf community and is “a unique reflection of Singapore’s national heritage and multilingual culture”, says Lye.

SgSL has roots in Shanghainese Sign Language (SSL), which was taught in Singapore’s first school for the deaf, the Singapore Chinese Sign School for the Deaf in the 1950s, alongside written Chinese, which was the other language of instruction of the school. Peng Tsu Ying, one of the school’s founders, taught the techniques and the sign language he had learnt while growing up in Shanghai.

In the 1970s, Lim Chin Heng, a former student of Peng’s who studied in America, brought back American Sign Language (ASL) to the local Deaf community, as well as Signing Exact English, which is not a language in itself, but a manual code that represents English grammar visually.

With the help of four Deaf Singaporeans – Andrew Tay, Shariffah Faaiqah, Amirul Afiq and Lisa Loh – we’ll discover how these varied influences have shaped their language and how some of these signs have changed over time.

Click here to find out more!

BY ALEXIS GABRIELLE, ALYSSA KARLA MUNGCAL, CHARLES TAMPUS, HANNAH ONG, KHOO ZI QI | PUBLISHED: DEC 18, 2024

Bake For The Deaf 2024

The Singapore Association of the Deaf (SADeaf) has offered a wide range of services to nearly 6,000 beneficiaries over the past 69 years.  

These services include social & employment support, financial assistance, education support, early intervention, hearing care, sign language interpretation, note-taking, DeafBlind program & many more.

We appeal for your kind support to enable SADeaf to continue with essential services to our existing clients while reaching out to serve more Deaf & Hard-of-hearing persons in need!

In the spirit of the Christmas festive season, we invite you to participate in our special fundraising event, ‘Bake for the Deaf.‘ Indulge your sweet tooth with delectable treats crafted by renowned bakers, Baker’s Brew and Simple Indulgence.

For every donation of a specified amount, you’ll receive a Cake or Cookie set of your choice, presented in the images below. These carefully selected pastries not only make delightful gifts for your loved ones but also contribute directly to supporting SADeaf’s beneficiaries! You may wish to view more information here.

A complimentary pair of meal vouchers is also entitled on a first come first serve basis.

Your donation amount would be entitled to 2.5x Tax deduction.

For those interested in ordering these delectable treats, you may conveniently do so through the Google Form: https://forms.gle/G4J8hRMSycrSp8Cr6

or

Giving.SG Link: https://www.giving.sg/donate/campaign/bake-for-the-deaf

Your kindness will resonate with the true spirit of giving during this festive season. Together, let’s make a difference in the lives of those who rely on SADeaf’s invaluable services!

Please feel free to contact us at fr@sadeaf.org.sg or Tel/Whatsapp at 96686372 should you have any further queries.

Swing For The Deaf, SADeaf Charity Golf

Thank You, our generous Donors and Supporters for making the “Charity Golf & Dinner” on 27 Sept 24 a huge success!

From the excitement on the golf course to an enjoyable evening filled with delicious food and wonderful entertainment. Golfers enjoyed a truly delightful day of golf, friendship and giving amid the lush greenery of Seletar Country Club!

The evening continued with a delectable dinner, performances by renowned local artistes and talented performers, and the presentation of the Deaf Achievers’ Awards, coinciding with the International Week of Deaf Persons. There were also fabulous lucky draw prizes, and an exclusive charity auction featuring high-value and unique items.

Heartfelt gratitude to our Patron Mr Edwin Tong, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Second Minister for Law, for being our honoured guest.

A big thank you to our main sponsors: Lee Foundation, Mr Cavinder Bull SC, Ms Denise Phua, Providence Law, Philip Securities, Dr Lim Soon Hock, Woh Hup, HyperCom, AM Global, Mr Robert Soo and many other donors, as well as to our wonderful golfers, for their earnest support. Your contributions are making a huge impact in improving the lives of the Deaf and Hard-of-hearing community.

To all the participants who came out, thank you for being a part of this special day. Your enthusiasm and support were the heart of the event, making it a joyful and memorable experience for everyone.

View images here: https://www.facebook.com/SADeafSG/posts/965345298964820?rdid=pZ7AeMi8zRw4JgIR

Appeal for volunteers for MerDeaf Flag Day ENCORE 2024

Join us as a Volunteer on 2 Nov 2024 as we raise funds to sustain and expand our programmes and services to the Deaf and Hard-of-hearing community!

1. Sign up as a Group of Volunteers – https://forms.gle/9ykWetKiwK1ZVynE7

2. Sign up as an Individual Volunteer – https://forms.gle/S79LJxb8GojtNLwdA

Purple Parade Contingent March

The Singapore Association for the Deaf is participating in the Purple Parade Contingent March this year. We are giving away event Tshirt to you if you are interested. See poster as attached. 

Date – Saturday, 12 October 2024 

Time – 3pm (Approximately at march time) 

Venue – Outside Suntec City, 3 Temasek Boulevard, Singapore 038983. 

If interested, do register through link – https://forms.gle/faW3CpdTJrQXdf1YA or use QR code on poster. 

For enquiry, please email dst@sadeaf.org.sg or whatsapp 96885102. 

SADeaf Charity Auction

Welcome to the SADeaf Charity Auction, organised in prelude to the SADeaf Charity Golf Tournament and Dinner.

This space features fascinating calligraphy and art pieces, proudly sponsored by our amazing partners and supporters.

All the funds raised through the auction of these pieces will go directly to the Singapore Association for the Deaf.

Auction Period: 16th August to 27th September, 2359 Hrs.

Successful bidders are entitled to 2.5 times Tax deduction after minusing the cost of item.
Please email fr@sadeaf.org.sg if you need more information.

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Calligraphy of “福” by Mdm Yu Foo Yee Shoon

87W x 99H (cm)

This rare and meaningful piece of art, was penned by the esteemed former Singaporean politician, Mdm Yu Foo Yee Shoon.  She was one of the first 3 women MPs elected in 1984, and held key positions including Mayor of South West District and Minister of State of the Ministry of Community Development, Youth & Sports. Mdm Yu Foo was a trailblazer of women in the labour movement as well as in politics. Retiring in 2011, she is also Singapore’s longest serving female politician.   This calligraphy is not only a symbol of prosperity but also a piece of history.

Starting Bid Price – S$3500

Current Bid Price as of _____ – $____.

Successful bidder is entitled to 2.5 times Tax deduction after minusing the cost of item.

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Paintings by Korean Artist Kim Sung Ho

101W x 81H (cm)

Masterpieces by renowned Korean artist Kim Sung Ho, celebrated for his contribution to Asian Modern & Contemporary art. With works featured in prestigious galleries like Gallery Hyundai and sold at auctions worldwide, these paintings are a testament to his artistic brilliance. 

Starting Bid Price – S$3000

Current Bid Price as of _____ – $____.

Successful bidder is entitled to 2.5 times Tax deduction after minusing the cost of item.

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Calligraphy of 福 (Good Fortune) by Mr. Xu

184W x 82H (cm)

An extraordinary piece lovingly crafted by Mr. Xu on his 100th birthday. A Centenarian who practices calligraphy daily, his dedication is evident in every stroke, making this a timeless symbol of longevity and prosperity.

Starting Bid Price – S$2500

Current Bid Price as of _____ – $____.

Successful bidder is entitled to 2.5 times Tax deduction after minusing the cost of item.

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Icelandic Icy Landscape Photo (Silent Auction)

105W x 70H (cm)

A stunning photograph that captures the serene beauty and raw power of nature in Iceland, offering a glimpse into one of the most awe-inspiring environments on Earth

Starting Bid Price – S$2000

Current Bid Price as of _____ – $____.

Successful bidder is entitled to 2.5 times Tax deduction after minusing the cost of item.

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Authentic Persian Carpet (Silent Auction)

Transform your living space with these exquisite masterpieces of authentic Persian carpets, renowned for their high quality and craftsmanship. These are award-winning superior quality carpets boasting beautiful patterns and rich colours that effortlessly complement any home decor. Their luxurious feel and exquisite design make them standout pieces that add warmth, elegance, and a touch of opulence to your home.

Successful bidder is entitled to 2.5 times Tax deduction after minusing the cost of item.

1. Persian Medallion Silk Carpet

Starting Bid Price – $1800

2. Persian Medallion Floral Carpet

Starting Bid Price – $2500

3. Turkish Tree Of Life Silk Carpet

Starting Bid Price – $1800

4. Persian All Over Floral Carpet

Starting Bid Price – $2500

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Auction Period: 16th August to 27th September, 2359 Hrs.
Please email fr@sadeaf.org.sg if you need more information.

Place your auction bids here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSefLZMX1WwXZUKrJzdHYPUSVwBp1K2yFqePXfm41aNRRue67Q/viewform?usp=sf_link

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