The Malawi National Association for the Deaf (MANAD) in conjunction with the Centre for Language Studies (CLS) yesterday, 24 November, launched the first ever Malawian Sign Language Dictionary at the University of Malawi.
Commenting on the dictionary, UNIMA Associate Professor of Linguistics, Dr Winfred Mkochi heaped praises on MANAD saying it
is a step in the right direction for Malawi to have an inclusive and self-reliant society as stipulated in the Malawi 2063 Vision document.
He also stressed that the dictionary will not only be used as a resource in teaching and learning the sign language but also it will promote the use of Malawian Sign Language and enhance the Deaf community’s enjoyment of right to use their language of choice as stipulated in the Malawi Constitution.
Among others, the dictionary was launched in the presence of high profile UNIMA gurus including Associate Professor and Dean of Humanities, Dr Emmanuel Ngwira, Dr Jean Chavula and Dr Edith Shame.
