Sign language book reviews: Bridging communication through literature in Hanoi
Tuesday, April 23, 2024, 10:18 GMT+7
Deaf students from Xa Dan Middle School in Hanoi participated in a contest where they presented book reviews using sign language to mark Vietnam’s Day of Persons with Disabilities (April 18).
The April Festival is an annual event at Xa Dan Middle School, where up to 60 percent of the students are hearing-impaired.
This year, the school organized a competition where students competed by delivering book reviews along with their creative ideas and activities.
Competitors were tasked with selecting literary pieces from their curriculum to share reviews while incorporating other creative activities.
They presented their reviews in various forms, including drawings, performance scenes, and lively models.
|
|
| A student captivates the audience with vibrant sign language and expressive body movements while delivering her book review onstage with her team during the competition. Photo: Vinh Ha / Tuoi Tre |
Notably, students recreated a corner of an old street in Hanoi, featuring the iconic dish 'cốm vòng,' a traditional Vietnamese delicacy made out of young rice, while reviewing the work 'Miếng ngon Hà Nội' (Hanoi Delicious Foods) by Vietnamese writer Vu Bang.
They also recreated the scene of the king returning a sword to the god of the golden turtle from the legend of Ho Guom (Lake of the Returned Sword).
What set this competition apart was that selected contestants used sign language to air their opinions.
Among the audience were students with normal hearing, as well as those using hearing aids and those who rely solely on sign language.
Sign language has become a common means of communication at the school.
At the 2024 April Festival, students showcased sign language onstage and also employed it for communication among themselves at areas dedicated to food vending or craft-making.
Teachers observed that promoting students to read and present literary works through enactments is among several innovative teaching approaches.
|
|
| After a captivating presentation on the works of author Vu Bang, 'cốm' (young rice) was shared with all friends. Photo: Vinh Ha / Tuoi Tre |
Throughout the event, books were displayed in open-air sections, allowing students to access suitable reading materials.
Pham Van Hoan, principal of Xa Dan Middle School, underscored the institution's dedication to initiatives empowering disabled students, with the goal of enhancing their morale and fostering integration within their community.
Like us on Facebook or follow us on X to get the latest news about Vietnam!
