The Course Series 1 on BIM, conducted over 10 sessions by Dr. Anthony Chong, provided an extensive exploration of Malaysian Sign Language (BIM), helping participants deepen their understanding of the language’s structure, development, and key elements. This course aimed to foster a deeper appreciation of BIM’s uniqueness while exploring critical aspects such as iconicity, grammar, and linguistic diversity within the Deaf community. It also encouraged Deaf individuals to engage in self-reflection regarding their own language fluency, and to differentiate BIM from other sign languages like ASL and communication systems like SEE and KTBM.
Nature of sign language as a true language
One of the central themes throughout the course was the nature of sign language as a true language, as opposed to a mere tool for communication. This challenge prompted participants to critically examine whether they were signing in BIM, ASL, SEE, or KTBM, and whether their understanding of sign language was deep enough to separate it from other sign systems. The course also opened discussions on sign variation due to regional differences, and the role of loanwords, false friends, and cognates in sign languages. These topics emphasised the importance of linguistic diversity within the Deaf community and highlighted how sign languages evolve and adapt over time.
A crucial part of the course was analysing the five parameters of BIM—handshape, movement, orientation, location, and facial expressions—and how these parameters shape the development and use of BIM. These elements are essential to understanding BIM grammar, especially when teaching Deaf individuals and hearing students alike. The course emphasised that it is not sufficient to change a movement or handshape to adapt BIM to another language like ASL. Instead, BIM must be respected and maintained as a distinct language with its own rules and structure.
Tools to analyse and explore issues
The course also provided participants with tools to analyse and explore issues related to BIM, particularly issues encountered in daily life. Rather than providing immediate solutions, the focus was on helping participants develop the skills necessary to navigate and address these challenges. The use of ELAN, a linguistic analysis tool, was introduced to participants as a means to study BIM in greater depth, improving their observation and analytical skills. ELAN is a powerful tool for studying languages, helping participants map out syntax, grammar, and other components of BIM, leading to a better understanding of how language functions in a visual-gestural modality.
Discussions during the course also examined the concept of universal grammar, which explains why sign languages, including BIM, have certain similarities despite differences in their vocabulary or grammar. This was especially valuable for participants as it provided insight into why some signs might appear similar across languages like BIM and ASL, despite being different linguistic systems. This exploration of universal grammar helped participants realise that sign languages are not just translations of spoken languages but unique and complex systems in their own right.
Deaf identity and cultural heritage
The course also introduced key aspects of BIM’s structure, encouraging participants to focus on the significance of fluency in BIM. It prompted questions such as: How do we measure fluency in a sign language? How can we teach hearing people to understand and respect the rules of BIM? This self-examination was crucial for participants as they learned to appreciate BIM not just as a means of communication, but as a key part of Deaf identity and cultural heritage. It also highlighted the importance of teaching hearing individuals about BIM’s unique features, ensuring that they recognise the linguistic rights of the Deaf community and its significance in cultural preservation.
Through these discussions, participants were encouraged to think critically about the nature of language and how it intersects with identity, culture, and human rights. The course’s focus on BIM’s parameters, along with tools for language analysis and problem-solving, equipped participants with the means to explore and discuss complex linguistic and cultural issues in the Deaf community. The course ultimately sought to empower participants to embrace BIM in its true form, ensuring that they could pass on a deeper understanding of the language to future generations of Deaf individuals.
The 10-session course was a transformative learning experience, providing Deaf individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to appreciate and teach BIM effectively. By offering tools for self-exploration and analysis, the course helped participants engage more deeply with BIM, encouraging them to preserve and promote this language and its cultural significance.