Research analysis
In their study, Gan and Gobbo (2017) aimed to investigate the attitudes towards the official recognition of Hong Kong Sign Language (HKSL) by Hong Kong citizens. Gan and Gobbo acknowledge that recognizing the subject language influences significant policies on the practical utilization of a language. Furthermore, Gan and Gobbo acknowledge that there is still misunderstanding and lack of knowledge about the deaf community. Using semi-structured interviews, Gan and Gobbo grouped thirty participants as deaf, people who have close contact with the deaf community, and little contact with deaf people. Their findings established that a supportive attitude towards the recognition of the HKSL. The majority of participants who showed a supportive attitude towards the recognition of HKSL were twenty-two; three participants had a negative attitude towards the recognition of HKSL while the remaining five participants had a neutral view on the matter. These attitudes were determined by an individual’s awareness relating to the deaf community and/or people.
The research conducted by Gan and Gobbo (2017) is interesting because their investigation and process evaluated attitudes from three groups. Their results are insightful in understanding how different groups, as they exist in society, reflect upon the HKSL. The findings of their study are also insightful. For the reader, it is essential to understand why there is a lack of knowledge and misunderstanding regarding signing language, in this case, HKSL. Their findings indicate that majority of participants had a supportive attitude towards the recognition of HKSL. Based on their assumption that attitudes towards signed languages were dependent on people’s knowledge about deaf persons’ needs, this is eye-catching. It dictates that people understand the need to recognize HKSL because it addresses a fundamental need for deaf persons in Hong Kong. Another interesting fact aspect of this study is that it investigates a valid and significant aspect of Hong Kong society. It would be important for legislatures and society, in general, to recognize HSKL because it serves the deaf community in Hong Kong the best, and it is also a gesture, if not a right, of inclusivity in Hong Kong.
This paper cultivates the idea of educating the public on matters to do with the deaf community. Gan and Gobbo (2017) note that lack of knowledge and misunderstanding on matters to do with deaf persons and/or community is strongly related to split attitudes towards recognition of certain sign languages. As such, this is a call for the government and legislatures to combat this issue. An effective way that the government can help in dealing with this situation is by including special education, such as sign language, in the curriculum. At least, this would instill an understanding of hearing people about deaf persons’ plight in the community. Furthermore, it will encourage the recognition of various sign languages across the world. The integration of sign language education in the curriculum will also help the deaf community to feel accepted, understood, and recognized. This is key in dealing with aspects of the stigma that is brought forth by their condition. It will also serve best in improving their psycho-social state.
Having used a small sample, the researchers’ conclusion is not satisfactory. The findings of their results is obtained from small sample which is cannot be used to represent the view of an entire population in Hong Kong in regards to the recognition of HKSL. In their conclusion they take note of the fact that official recognition of HKSL will guarantee a proactive promotion of HKSL. This does not take into consideration the fact that this route will not be as effective as integration of sign language education in school’s curriculum. Above all, the researchers’ conclusion is insightful in understanding that the needs of the deaf persons in our society are paramount for all humans. The conclusion drawn by the researchers in this study is also vital in comprehending the importance of recognizing a given sign language in society.