SASL Place-Name Signs – Research Data Collection

OVERVIEW

There are several initiatives to collect signs in South African Sign Language (NID Dictionary, PanSALB, terminology lists). However, SASL place-name signs specifically are not systematically collected and documented. This dataset presents the place-name signs collected during a research project. The primary data have not been formally verified and reflect the grassroots toponymic use by the associated cultural-linguistic group, i.e., the South African Deaf Community. The secondary data shared by the NID have been formally verified and can be considered to be widely accepted signs. Availing both allows comparison of place-name knowledge and awareness from different locations. This is not a definitive list of place-name signs, nor should it be used in any way as an official terminology list.

SASL is under-researched. Linguistic analysis is crucial in the development of any language, and even more important in light of the officialisation of SASL. For this type of research, empirical research is fundamental. However, SASL research presents an ethical challenge – given the importance of facial features in signing, it is difficult to protect the anonymity of participants. Place names do not rely heavily on non-manual markers, except for mouthing in some cases (which is often an idiosyncratic trait). The place-name signs were re-recorded by Deaf signers and passed multiple internal accuracy checks. In this way the collection provides a reliable approximation of real SASL use; which can be analysed according to linguistic focus.

PURPOSE

The aim of the research was to initiate the systematic collection and documentation of SASL place names. The intended use of the data is three-fold:

(1) Build knowledge about real-use toponyms for consideration (for formal verification).

(2) Create a corpus of empirical data for linguistic research.

(3) Contribute to real data suitable for technological development.

DATA COLLECTION

Primary data: Video recordings of semi-structured individual and group interviews with members of the South African Deaf community (in the Free State and Northern Cape provinces) were annotated and translated in ELAN. Place-name signs were isolated and rerecorded by Deaf signers. Details of the variants such as the date recorded, research site, and associated geographical place were recorded in an Excel spreadsheet.

Secondary data: Video recordings of place-name signs collected by the National Institute for the Deaf (in the Western Cape province) for their SASL Video Dictionary were shared as per MoA. The signs were rerecorded by Deaf signers for inclusion in this dataset.

Re-recordings: The research team guided Deaf signers in re-recording the place-name signs. Re-recordings had to pass several internal accuracy checks before being entered into this dataset.

DISCLAIMER

This collection of SASL place names is a reflection of variation in SASL, and should not be considered an official terminology list. In this research, new information is continuously uncovered. Users, especially those conducting research, are encouraged to consult original resources and to approach the material with critical consideration. For formally verified place-name signs, please contact the Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB) or see the Dictionary of the National Institute for the Deaf (NID).

ETHICS STATEMENT

Primary data: Ethical clearance was obtained from the Human Research Ethics Council of the University of the Free State: UFS-HSD2023/1614/4. Subject to the conditions of this clearance, informed consent was obtained from all participants, including the use of their data.

Secondary data: The place-name signs provided by the NID were re-recorded in accordance with the MoA.

Signers: The signers for the re-recordings signed consent forms on the use of their image.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This research is the product of a project, Advancing SASL for 4IR Technological Development using Place Names, funded by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (South Africa), April 2022 – June 2025. It is a collaborative project between the Department of South African Sign Language and Deaf Studies and the Interdisciplinary Centre for Digital Futures, both at the University of the Free State (South Africa).

The following people made notable contributions to the sociolinguistic component of the project: Dr Chrismi Loth, Dr Patrick Sibanda, Dr Sara Siyavoshi, Jani de Lange, Prof Annalene van Staden, Emily Matabane, Susan Lombaard, Prof Theodorus du Plessis, Donovan Wright, Lucia Mamotete Mapeshoane, Kirsten de Villiers, Gloria Motshoeneng, Nhlanhla Simelane, Anele Kotoyi and Annemarie le Roux.

The following people made notable contributions to the computational component of the project: Dr Herkulaas Combrink, Charne Bornman, Nkateko Nkuna, Priscilla Keche, Taylon Colbert, Aviwe Matoti, Jarryd Trip, Valusha Oelofse and Molemo Dibe.

The National Institute for the Deaf (South Africa) is acknowledged for their support and their contribution of place-name signs.

We would like to express our gratitude to the participating Deaf communities for welcoming us into their spaces, for generously sharing their knowledge with us, and for graciously providing solutions and suggestions to improve our protocols.