By Umar Saleh Burrah (INN), Bauchi
The leadership of Bauchi State Association of the Deaf, BSAD, has called on the Bauchi State Association of Sign Language Interpreters of Nigeria (ASLIN) to join hands together and work collectively towards achieving effective communication between both bodies.
This was disclosed during a joint meeting between the two organisations, yesterday Thursday February 2, 2023 at the new BSAD office in Bauchi metropolis. The meeting was presided over by BSAD Secretary General, Mallam Dayyabu Tanimu Azare.
Speaking during the meeting, Azare said, “Deaf persons and sign language interpreters need to collaborate and strengthen partnerships”.
He stressed that ” the collaboration is vital to the success of any interpretation of the sign language.
Distilling the essence of the collaboration, Azare quipped: “Why should Deaf persons and sign language interpreters collaboration be at the forefront of our work? According to him: “If the Deaf community do not allow for collaboration, then sign language interpreters cannot appropriately do their job”
Conversely, he added, “If sign language interpreters are not open to collaboration, then they cannot appropriately interpret for the Deaf community.”
He went on to conclude that the “State’s Association of Sign Language Interpreters need to join hands together with the Deaf community whatsoever”.
Earlier, the Chairman, ASLIN Bauchi chapter, Mallam Saleh Adamu said: “the meeting seeks to collaborate and strengthen mutually beneficial relationship between the two associations.”
According to him, the goal is to achieve effective communication. Deaf and sign language interpreters are on the same team, and we must work together”
Mr Adamu further noted that, “this partnership should be established immediately. This partnership should be kept in mind throughout all interactions. It will enable us develop a respectable process and an effective interpretation”.
He further stated that Bauchi ASLIN will consider an open door for Deaf persons who can sign locally as part of its membership, noting that this will further help them in successful interpretation.
He concluded by urging the Bauchi State Association of the Deaf to reserve a room for sign language interpreters within the new office building.