Samira Duale Launches A Sign Language Book in Somali

[Deeq A.]

Samira’s mother is sharing the story about the first sign language book written in Somali by her daughter in Mogadishu.

Mogadishu (PP News Desk) — Samira Duale, a deaf Somali girl, yesterday launched a sign language book based on the Somali language at the Mogadishu Book Fair 2024. Frustrated by the extremely low number of Somalis able to communicate in sign language with compatriots living with hearing disabilities, Samira took the initiative to write Suuldhabaaleynta Luqadda Soomaaliga (Sign Language in Somali), the first sign language book based on the Somali language. The book aims to bridge the communication gap between those with hearing disabilities and those without.

“She felt the need to write a sign language book in Somali. Throughout the world, sign language is adapted to each country’s language. She realised that very few people without hearing disabilities know how to communicate in sign language in Somalia. The flag of Somalia was not included in the international handbook of sign language for different countries, which also inspired her to write the book,” said Samira’s mother.

Samira runs a school to teach sign language. In June, she offered free sign language classes at the Mogadishu Public Library. Suuldhabaaleynta Luqadda Soomaaliga is an inspiring story of promoting inclusivity and access to services for Somali people with hearing disabilities. USAID sponsored the Mogadishu Book Fair 2024.

© Puntland Post, 2024

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