SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Arts Honours: South African Sign Language 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
88785  Bachelor of Arts Honours: South African Sign Language 
ORIGINATOR
University of Witwatersrand 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Honours Degree  Field 04 - Communication Studies and Language  Language 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  150  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The Purpose of this qualification is to produce skilled South African Sign Language (SASL) practitioners who can be involved in issues pertaining to South African Sign Language and the Deaf community in the context of social transformation. Graduates will be able to offer their services in terms of much needed research in the field of South African Sign Language.

The qualification will enable graduates to develop research questions, gather data independently and write research reports in various areas of study, which will contribute not only to the development of a marginalised language, but also to the development of opportunities for deaf South Africans.

Graduates, who prefer not to focus on research only, can contribute in the fields of interpreting, by providing much-needed access to mainstream society for deaf persons and to education, as educators who are proficient in South African Sign Language. In addition, those graduates who have already majored in drama could combine South African Sign Language with two courses from Dramatic Arts in an Honours programme and so contribute to the development of the dramatic arts in South African Sign Language for deaf audiences.

This qualification aims to strengthen students' knowledge and use of South African Sign Language at the discourse level using different registers by means of the creative production of texts, as well as the translation of texts, both from South African Sign Language to English, and English to South African Sign Language. Specialised vocabulary will be developed accordingly.

Rationale:
South African Sign Language (SASL) is offered in a very limited number of undergraduate qualifications as a major subject and there is a consequent lack of Postgraduate qualifications in South African Sign Language. This has resulted in a dearth of research in the field of South African Sign Language. With the development of a task team convened by the Minister of Education to address the matter of South African Sign Language as a subject for the school curriculum, there will also be a need for skilled South African Sign Language practitioners. This, in turn, means that there is an urgent need for research that codifies South African Sign Language.

This qualification will be available to a wide range of students with a Bachelor of Arts Degree and the required proficiency in South African Sign Language. The current student profile indicates that students majoring in South African Sign Language have interests in education, clinical psychology, clinical educational psychology, interpreting and drama. Graduates will therefore add value to all of these career paths.

There is, at present, a limited number of available South African Sign Language practitioners in South Africa. Therefore skilled South African Sign Language graduates are sorely needed in the education sector. In addition, it has become apparent that there is very little research available on the documenting and codifying of South African Sign Language structures and dialects. Due to the past fragmentation of the Deaf community in education, South African Sign Language is a language undergoing rapid change and research is needed to document this. Competent signers need to be trained as interpreters.

According to the Deaf Federation of South Africa (DEAFSA) there are approximately 500 000 deaf people using South African Sign Language and approximately 188 interpreters active in the field with varying levels of competency in South African Sign Language. Graduates in this qualification would be able to follow interpreting as a career, thus ensuring access to information for a marginalised group.

Deaf people have limited access to mental health services in South Africa due to lack of interpreters and resources. It is envisaged that some of the graduates will go on to study clinical psychology and will be able to provide therapy to the deaf without the use of interpreters.

South Africa has long lagged behind other countries in offering training in the field of sign language. For the last 20 years, such training has been widely offered in Europe, the United Kingdom, the United States of America and Australia. The registration of this qualification in South African Sign Language will provide education and training in a priority area of need in South Africa. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
It is assumed that the applicant:
  • Has acquired the knowledge and skills associated with studying at NQF Level 7.
  • Has competencies in South African Sign Language at NQF Level 7.
  • Is proficient in English.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:
    Applicants who do not meet all the access requirements of the qualification but can provide evidence of relevant experience in some of the areas required, may be admitted on the basis of the Recognition of Prior Learning. Verified evidence must be provided.

    Access to the Qualification:
    Students must have:
  • Successfully completed a Bachelor of Arts or an appropriate equivalent qualification at NQF Level 7.
  • Attained an aggregate of at least 65% or higher in a major discipline that is appropriate for the Bachelor of Arts Honours: South African Sign Language.

    Students who did not major in South African Sign Language will be expected to undergo a South African Sign Language proficiency evaluation prior to being accepted into the programme. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    All the modules, each totalling 30 Credits, are at NQF Level 8 and are compulsory.

    Minimum Credits required for the qualification: 150.

    Modules:
  • South African Sign Language Research Essay, 30 Credits.
  • The Linguistic Description of South African Sign Language, 30 Credits.
  • Specialised South African Sign Language, 30 Credits.
  • Sociolinguistics of South African Sign Language, 30 Credits.
  • South African Sign Language Research Methodology, 30 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Communicate and produce information using a range of technologies.
    2. Demonstrate critical analytic competence and problem solving.
    3. Demonstrate competence in managing self.
    4. Demonstrate social competence.
    5. Demonstrate research competence.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:
  • Identifying and solving problems are demonstrated in the application of relevant theoretical information to an actual situation.
  • Team work is demonstrated in the successful interactions with peers and others.
  • Organising self is demonstrated in the successful management of own time and the achieving of own goals.
  • Collating information is indicated in the successful completion of a research project.
  • Effective communicating is demonstrated throughout the working period by successful interactions with all categories of people.
  • Utilising science and technology is clearly indicated in the keeping of records and the production of a successful research report.
  • Understanding the world as a set of related systems is indicated in the selection of the chosen field of work and the successful functioning therein. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
    1.1 Apply appropriate database search strategies.
    1.2 Collect, select, organise and interpret different kinds of data in conducting research.
    1.3 Read and critically evaluate texts and data.
    1.4 Use effective argumentation skills to represent own position in relation to debates.
    1.5 Identify and help to resolve ethical issues relevant to South African Sign Language.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
    2.1 Interpret and criticise the subject matter of a discipline.
    2.2 Apply critical approaches to solving problems by integrating relevant information and theory.
    2.3 Evaluate limitations of different theoretical models.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
    3.1 Set own goals and manage own time with minimal supervision.
    3.2 Respond appropriately to feedback from peers.
    3.3 Assess self on oral and written presentations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
    4.1 Identify and execute tasks responsibly.
    4.2 Accommodate diversity in all social interactions.
    4.3 Work in harmony with all categories of individuals.
    4.4 Give effective feedback, both as an individual and as a member of a group.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
    5.1 Identify own field of enquiry/discipline and investigate and track the necessary information.
    5.2 Adhere to ethical requirements when carrying out research.
    5.3 Apply an appropriate research method whilst conducting the relevant research project.
    5.4 Read in the selected field of enquiry/discipline.
    5.5 Apply academic research and critical evaluation within the selected field of enquiry/discipline.
    5.6 Assess the findings, write the report and draw conclusions arising from the research.
    5.7 Present a research report in accordance with institutional requirements.

    Integrated Assessment:
    A battery of assessment instruments is used in learner assessment.

    These include:
  • Written and oral/signed examinations.
  • Selected essays and assignments.
  • A research report within specified parameters, all of which contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the area of South African Sign Language. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Qualifications from three international universities that are leaders in the sector have been chosen for comparison, viz., Gallaudet University, United States of America (USA), Bristol University, United Kingdom and La Trobe University, Australia.

    It is difficult to make a direct comparison of this University of Witwatersrand qualification with those offered in the other countries as this qualification is offered at Honours level over one academic year, whilst those chosen from other countries are at either Bachelor's or Master's level. However, those that have been selected for comparison align with this qualification in terms of course content and approach.

    Gallaudet University, USA:
    Master of Arts in Linguistics:
    Gallaudet University caters for only deaf students at undergraduate level and for deaf and hearing students at Postgraduate level. The Master of Arts in Linguistics is of two years duration and students take the following 10 courses:
  • American Sign Language Phonology.
  • American Sign Language Morphology.
  • American Sign Language Syntax.
  • Sociolinguistics of the US Deaf Community.
  • Languages and Cultures in Deaf Communities.
  • Field Methods I.
  • Field Methods II.
  • Three selected courses in Linguistics.

    In terms of content, this University of Witwatersrand qualification can be compared to the following American Sign Language fourth year level courses offered at Gallaudet University, viz., Discourse Features in American Sign Language (ASL) and Registers: Speaking to the Public, which covers frozen, formal, consultative, casual and intimate registers. This University of Witwatersrand qualification however, includes a greater variety of settings (medical, scientific, legal, educational, religious, theatre, media and the workplace) for practicing these registers.

    Bristol University, United Kingdom:
    Master of Science in Deafhood:
    It is required that students take six courses at Master's level:
    Compulsory courses:
  • Sign Linguistics.
  • Research Methods for Deaf Studies.
  • Deaf History and Deafhood.
  • Deaf Culture and Deafhood.

    Selected Courses - of which at least two must be chosen:
  • Introduction to Deafhood - Deafhood Philosophy and Social Theory.
  • Bilingual Development in Deaf Children at Home and at School.
  • Deaf Wellness and Development.
  • Sign Language Literature and Folklore.

    Paddy Ladd from the Centre for Deaf Studies at Bristol University coined the term "Deafhood" which provides the framework for all their deaf studies courses. This University of Witwatersrand qualification's course on Deaf Cultural Studies utilises this approach and also covers selected topics that are covered in both Deaf history and Deafhood and Deaf Culture at Bristol University.

    La Trobe University, Australia:
    Master of Linguistics:
    This qualification comprises three courses:
  • Issues in Deaf Studies.
  • Sociolinguistics of Non-Literate Languages.
  • Researching Natural Language.

    Even though the duration of this University of Witwatersrand qualification differs with those used for comparison, the approach and much of the course content covered is similar. The approach to the study of sign language structure and deaf culture and history is that deaf people and communities are positioned in the socio-cultural model.

    This qualification thus compares favourably with similar qualifications offered internationally. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
    This qualification articulates horizontally with any Honours Degree or Postgraduate Diploma: Linguistics at NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
    This qualification articulates vertically with any Master's Degree: Linguistics at NQF Level 9. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • The curriculum achieves the outcomes by teaching research skills and course work at Honours level. The subject matter experts, including Deaf staff members, will demonstrate to the students, whereupon students are expected to conduct their own research and to report on the outcomes of the project.
  • The institution monitors how the curriculum design has worked out in practice. Such monitoring, aided by the use of student evaluations of courses (a system supported by the Centre for Learning, Teaching and Development) and other forms of evaluation, e.g., evaluations of lessons from lecturers, inform reviews. During a review the institution has the opportunity to address issues such as the appropriateness of the teaching strategy. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2015. 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. University of Witwatersrand 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.