Kathmandu, May 28

National Federation of the Deaf Nepal today made public a comprehensive Nepali Sign Language Dictionary containing around 4,300 symbols. The dictionary will be handy for people with hearing disability.

The dictionary comprises Nepali to English translation of symbols and their usage. Likewise, sign language mobile applications and audio video tutorials on sign language were also launched at the programme.

The unveiling programme was jointly inaugurated by National Assembly Chair Ganesh Prasad Timilsina, Minister for Women, Children and Senior Citizens Tham Maya Thapa and Australia’s Ambassador to Nepal Peter Budd.

At the programme, NA Chair Timilsina stressed on production of more NSL materials for parents and teachers to better communicate with the hearing-impaired.

Minister Thapa said, “Persons with disabilities would be provided with more opportunities and resources for personal development in the coming days.”

Similarly, Ambassador Budd expressed happiness at being able to support the federation to create the NSL Dictionary and prepare a digital version of it.

The NSL materials were developed with the support of Australian Embassy in Nepal.

According to the population census of 2011, there are around 80,000 people with hearing disability in the country. However, officials of NDFN have claimed that the census is unscientific as it does not enlist people having speech and language impairments in the census.

Officials said that developing speech and language impairment from birth also causes hearing disability, and a large number of such people are excluded from the census.

According to NDFN officials, there are around 300,000 people with hearing disability and 30 sign language interpreters. NDFN Chair KP Adhikari said they needed more interpreters.