In the midst of rapid social changes and growing diversity, preparing students to navigate today’s world requires more than academic knowledge. It also demands communication and social skills, empathy, and respect for differences to live together equally.
Deaf individuals face communication barriers that can limit their social participation. Learning sign language not only enhances students’ ability to communicate with the Deaf community but also promotes understanding, acceptance, and inclusion—critical for sustainable, quality coexistence in a diverse society.
In response, the Department of Western Languages organized the workshop “Sign Language: Signs of Connection” for students, majoring in English for Communication. The goal is to equip them with basic sign language skills, helping bridge communication gaps and encouraging open-mindedness and respect for diversity—essential 21st-century life skills. This also fosters responsible and compassionate global citizenship.
Objectives
1. To enable participants to learn basic vocabulary and accurately practice sign language skills.
2. To enable participants to use sign language correctly in basic conversational exchanges.
3. To raise participants’ awareness and appreciation of kindness and compassion toward the Deaf community.
This project, organized by the Department of Western Languages, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, was made possible through the kind support of the Chonburi School for the Deaf.
The school graciously provided five expert sign language instructors to lead the morning session, during which participants learned to understand and communicate with individuals who are deaf using sign language.
In the afternoon, the participating students visited the school to engage in interactive activities with the deaf students, applying the sign language skills they had acquired earlier in the day.
The students were able to demonstrate basic vocabulary and accurately practice sign language skills. They also successfully engaged in basic sign language conversations and developed a deeper awareness and appreciation of compassion toward individuals who are deaf, fostering inclusivity, empathy, and respect for diversity within society. This experience also encouraged social responsibility and a commitment to creating a more inclusive community.
Implementation Details Date: July 24, 2025 Project Managers: Ms. Wipa Praditwiengkham, Ms. Chalita Phibanchon
