Identifying Basic Sign Language Communication Abilities among Hearing Students to Communicate with their Deaf Peers at University Level

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify the basic skills of Pakistan Sign Language (PSL) among university students who communicate with hearing impaired fellows in an inclusive environment and face troubles. The hearing students face communication barriers in inclusive environment to communicate with hearing impaired peers. A survey method of quantitative type of research was used to conduct this study. The population of this study was hearing students at university level who studying with hearing impaired students in inclusive environment and the sample comprised of 100 hearing students. The researchers employed random sampling technique to conduct this study. Data was collected through self-developed three point Likert scale and Cronbach’s Alpha value was noted α=.803. The main findings of this study were that majority of the respondents were not well acquainted with PSL due to which they could not communicate with their deaf class mates. The study was limited to only two universities due to the availability of inclusive learning environments. The researchers recommended that Pakistan Sign Language should be taught to a larger population to facilitate communication with hearing impaired students.