Irish Sign Language

Why should I take this Trinity Elective?

Did you know that Irish Sign Language (ISL) is Ireland’s third official language, alongside Irish and English? As the indigenous language of the Deaf community in Ireland, ISL is a rich and fully developed language with its own grammar and vocabulary—just like spoken languages, but expressed visually rather than audibly.

This Trinity Elective gives you the opportunity to develop communication skills in ISL while exploring its linguistic, social, cultural, and psychological significance. You’ll gain insight into the Deaf community as a linguistic and cultural minority in Ireland, deepening your understanding of language diversity and inclusion.

What will I learn?

• Develop new linguistic and intercultural skills in Irish Sign Language.
• Understand the key differences between signed and spoken languages.
• Learn about the Deaf community in Ireland and its identity as a linguistic and cultural minority.

What will I do?

• Attend interactive ISL language classes, where you will develop communication skills through hands-on learning.
• Engage in online activities to reinforce and track your progress.
• Work in pairs and small groups to complete collaborative, interactive class tasks.
• Prepare and deliver a short presentation in ISL.

How will this be delivered?

• 18 hours of face-to-face language classes.
• 10 hours of teamwork and collaborative learning tasks.
• 36 hours of online language learning activities.
• 36 hours dedicated to assessment preparation and delivery.

How will this be assessed?

• 65% Continuous Assessment:
  • 15% Online language quizzes.
  • 15% Online personal learning journal.
  • 35% Participation in online discussion boards.
• 35% Summative Assessment:
  • Short personal presentation in ISL, recorded and uploaded to Blackboard.

Who can take this Trinity Elective?

This elective is open to any eligible student except those enrolled in the Deaf Studies programme.

* Please note that assessment methods, assessment weightings and amount of contact hours are subject to change by the module coordinator. You can confirm all assessment details and expected contact hours with the module coordinator upon starting the elective.