Somalia Launches First Somali Sign Language Dictionary

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISH: Somalia’s Ministry of Education has launched what it describes as the country’s first Somali Sign Language dictionary, in a move aimed at improving access to education and communication for people with hearing disabilities.

The dictionary is expected to help bridge communication barriers between deaf and hard-of-hearing people and the wider community, while supporting their participation in schools and other areas of public life.

Education Minister Farah Abdulkadir, speaking at the launch ceremony, said the initiative would help reduce the isolation experienced by people with hearing disabilities and expand their access to education.

He described the dictionary as an important step towards inclusive education, saying it would help ensure that deaf and hard-of-hearing learners are not excluded from educational and development opportunities.

People with hearing disabilities in Somalia have long faced barriers to accessing education, including limited learning resources and a shortage of specialised support. The launch is expected to contribute to wider efforts to make educational services more accessible, although its impact will depend on how widely the dictionary is distributed and integrated into schools and teacher training.

The initiative marks a step towards recognising Somali Sign Language as an important tool for communication, learning and the inclusion of people with hearing disabilities in society.