Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin

Irish Sign Language

Why should I take this Trinity Elective?

Did you know that Irish Sign Language is Ireland’s third official language, after Irish and English? Irish Sign Language is the indigenous language of the Deaf community in Ireland. It is a language like any other language, but it happens to use signs rather than sounds. There are many different sign languages in the world in the same way as there are different spoken languages. Sign languages are full-fledged natural languages with their own grammar and vocabulary. This Trinity Elective will allow you to develop some communication skills in Irish Sign Language, and explore a range of educational, social, cultural, linguistic, and psychological issues.

What will I learn?

You will acquire new linguistic and intercultural skills related to the use of Irish Sign Language.
You will develop knowledge of the difference between signed and spoken languages.
You will learn about the Deaf community as a linguistic and cultural minority in Ireland.

What will I do?

Attend a series of language classes where you will engage in tasks to develop your linguistic proficiency in Irish Sign Language
Engage in online activities to consolidate your progress
Work in pairs to complete collaborative, interactive tasks in class
Prepare a short presentation in Irish Sign Language

How will this be delivered?

18 hours of face-to-face language classes and 10 hours of student engagement through teamwork and collaborative tasks.
Approx. 36 hours of online language learning activities.
Approx. 36 hours of assessment preparation & delivery.