This is an increase of about 42 percent. The university of applied sciences speaks of an ‘Irma effect’. As a result of Sluis’s performance at the cabinet’s corona press conferences, there is now more interest in sign language and the profession of sign language interpreter.
‘We also did our best to promote the program ourselves, because we really wanted to have a somewhat higher intake, also apart from corona,’ said a spokesperson for the university of applied sciences. “These things came together and that’s what we think led to this result.” Utrecht University is the only university in the Netherlands to have a four-year training as a sign language interpreter.
The educational institution saw an ‘Irma effect’ in the spring after Sluis had grown into a well-known Dutchman because of her performances. The college then received a lot of phone calls and emails from interested parties about the study. Whether that would also lead to more registrations, it was emphasized at the time, had to become clear in September.
Dipje last year
The increase in the number of reports is also remarkable because there was a ‘dip’ in the number of registrations last year. The university of applied sciences says it is pleased with the new growth. “There is now a shortage of sign language interpreters for the deaf community,” said the spokesman. “We are pleased that more people can be trained.” Because more sign language interpreters are needed, according to the university of applied sciences, graduates will also have a ‘good future perspective’.
Until 1980 sign language teaching was prohibited. The general thought was that the deaf could read their lips better. About 30 thousand deaf people now use the Dutch Sign Language (NGT) as their mother tongue. Last month, a majority in the House of Representatives supported a private member’s bill by the PvdA, ChristenUnie and D66 to recognize sign language as an official language, in addition to Dutch and Frisian.
According to the three parties, the recognition should involve the deaf and hard of hearing more in society. Among other things, the law must make it possible for the oath and promise to be taken in sign language. There must also be an advisory board that will advise the government and interest groups on developments in the field of Dutch sign language.
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