NSE 3152.1 Uganda Sign Language Practical

KYAMBOGO UNIVERSITY
TEACHER EDUCATION SELF–STUDY MODULE FOR BACHELOR OF

EDUCATION – EXTERNAL PROGRAMME
NSE 3152.1: UGANDAN SIGN LANGUAGE PRACTICAL
JULY, 2023
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KYAMBOGO UNIVERSITY
NSE 3152.1 – UGANDAN SIGN LANGUAGE PRACTICAL
This course leads to the award of Degree of Bachelor Education in Special Needs Education –
External of Kyambogo University
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Kyambogo University
Author
Mr. Orech Emmy Hendrain

Department of Hearing Impairment and Sign Language Interpretation Studies
Kyambogo University
Design / Production Team
Mr. Andrew Frederick Meya: Materials Design, Development, and Production, Distance Education
Department, School of Education, Kyambogo University
© All Rights Reserved
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Kyambogo University administration is indebted to the Authors and Publishers of

other related educational materials and resources which have been referred to or used in the
production of this self-study module.
Above all, the Kyambogo University administration is grateful to the team who
worked tirelessly to see that this module in the area of Ugandan Sign Language Practical has
been developed to enable the study program to meet its objectives.
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Table of Contents
Author.................................................................................................................................................. iii
Design / Production Team ................................................................................................................... iii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT .................................................................................................................. iv
GLOSSARY ....................................................................................................................................... vii
GENERAL INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................... viii
Objectives of the Module .............................................................................................................. viii
Units Covered in the Module......................................................................................................... viii
SYMBOLS USED................................................................................................................................ x
Unit One ............................................................................................................................................... 1
General Overview about Sign Languages ........................................................................................ 1
Introduction to Unit One................................................................................................................... 2
Aim of Unit One ..................................................................................................................... 2
Objectives of Unit One ..................................................................................................................... 2
Topics Covered in Unit One ............................................................................................................. 2
Orientation to Unit One ....................................................................................................... 3

Topic One: Myths about Sign Languages ............................................................................................ 4
Topic Two: Similarities between spoken languages and signed languages ......................................... 7
Topic Three: Ugandan Sign Language Gramma versus English Language Gramma ......................... 8
Summary of Unit One..................................................................................................................... 10
Unit Two ............................................................................................................................................ 11
Basic Information Regarding Ugandan Sign Language ................................................................. 11
Introduction to Unit Two ................................................................................................................ 12
Aim of Unit Two .................................................................................................................. 12
Objectives of Unit Two .................................................................................................................. 12
Topics Covered in Unit One ........................................................................................................... 12
Orientation to Unit One ..................................................................................................... 13

Topic One: Communication in Ugandan Sign Language .................................................................. 14
Topic Two: Types of Signs used in Ugandan Sign Language ........................................................... 16
Topic Three: Manual features and non-manual features in Ugandan Sign Language ....................... 18
Topic Four: Use of Non-manual Features in Ugandan Sign Language ............................................. 20
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Topic Five: Formation of Signs in Ugandan Sign Language ............................................................. 22
........................................................................................................................................................ 24
Summary of Unit Two .................................................................................................................... 24
Unit Three .......................................................................................................................................... 25
Parameters of Ugandan Sign Language.......................................................................................... 25
Introduction to Unit Three .............................................................................................................. 26
Aim of Unit Three ................................................................................................................ 26
Objectives of Unit Three ................................................................................................................ 26
Topics Covered in Unit Three ........................................................................................................ 26
Orientation to Unit Three .................................................................................................. 27

Topic One: Parameters of Ugandan Sign Language .......................................................................... 28
Topic Two: Handshape as a Parameter of Ugandan Sign Language ................................................. 29
Topic Three: Orientation as a Parameter of Ugandan Sign Language ............................................... 31
Topic Four: Movement as a Parameter of Ugandan Sign Language ................................................. 33
Topic Five: Location as a Parameter of Ugandan Sign Language ..................................................... 35
Topic Six: Facial Expression as a Parameter of Ugandan Sign Language ........................................ 37
........................................................................................................................................................ 39
Summary of Unit Three .................................................................................................................. 39
Unit Four ............................................................................................................................................ 40
Practical Applications of Ugandan Sign Language ........................................................................ 40
Introduction to Unit Four ................................................................................................................ 41
Aim of Unit Four .................................................................................................................. 41
Objectives of Unit Four .................................................................................................................. 41
Topics Covered in Unit Four .......................................................................................................... 41
Orientation to Unit Four .................................................................................................... 42

Topic One: The Manual Alphabet and Fingerspelling ....................................................................... 43
Topic Two: The Manual Numbers ..................................................................................................... 47
Topic Three: Greetings, Directional Signs, and Negations ................................................................ 51
Topic Four: General Assignments for Further Practice ..................................................................... 55
Summary of Unit Four .................................................................................................................... 58
READING LIST ................................................................................................................................ 59
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ANSWERS TO THE ACTIVITIES ................................................................................................... 60
GLOSSARY
Articulate: To speak, utter or express oneself with clarity or fluency.

Deaf: Limitations and/or difficulties in sound perceptions and its use for
effective communication through speaking.
Deaf community: A group of people cherish the use of sign language openly without fear
or favor.
Deaf culture: Ways of living by members in the deaf community.
Manual features: Use of hand movements and handshapes in as components in sign
language usages.
Non-manual features: Use of other components like facial expressions, head shaking or
nodding and eye widening or narrowing among others in sign language
usages.
Parameters: Smallest units or elements like; handshape, orientation and location
which form up specific and comprehensible signs.
Sign language: Visual-gestural system of communication that simultaneously use
manual signals and non-manual signals to convey messages.
Signing space: Place in front and besides the signer within which manual signs/signals
are placed when being articulated. Runs from slightly below the signer’s
waist to slightly above his/her head, and also slightly at his/her left-hand
and right-hand sides.
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GENERAL INTRODUCTION
Dear Student,
You are welcome to study of this Module NSE 3152.1 – Ugandan Sign Language Practical. This module
is designed for your level of study. You required to read, comprehend and practice all that is presented in
the module for your benefit as a specialized teacher for learners with hearing loss in inclusive education
settings. Endeavor to enrich your knowledge and skills in Ugandan Sign Language through exploring all
other resources, human and non-human, that you can afford. Take further self-initiative to explore more
on the practical aspects of Ugandan Sign Language from the community and use all avenues in order to
attain sufficient competency. You are required to do all the inserted activities and share your results with
other students, resource persons, and your instructor(s) or facilitator(s) as well.
In this module, you will learn about some theoretical aspects about sign language. We encourage you to
do a lot of practice and exposure on Ugandan Sign Language use in various contexts. Remember that not
all sign language you have access to, more especially, from the media are Ugandan Sign Language, so
take note to avoid confusion. Sign languages have variations though a few similarities may exist among
them.
Objectives of the Module

The objectives of this module are to enable you:
i.
Units Covered in the Module
This module covers … (…) units as indicated:

Unit 1: General Overview about Sign Languages.
Unit 2: Basic Information Regarding Ugandan Sign Language.
Unit 3: Parameters of Ugandan Sign Language
Unit 4: …
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Note: To enrich your knowledge on this module, endeavor to explore and make the best use of as
many relevant resources as you can. Such may include among others; textbooks, electronic
books, resource persons, and virtual/internet links.
Throughout the given units in the module, you will find self-check activities to do, please
endeavor to do them. Remember that this is not a textbook that you should fear writing in it, feel
free to write in the spaces provided. Make necessary summaries in the module as may be
appropriate. The inserted activities will enable you to enrich your knowledge and skills in the
field of Ugandan Sign Language practical. The activities are useful if you do them as you read
through the Units. They are not only reinforcing the instruction but are also planned to motivate
you as you progress with the study. Please, do not skip the activities or leave them undone.
When you finish an activity, cross-check its answers and share your findings with your
course mates and/or facilitator(s). Try to explore other alternative answers, too. Remember that
education is not static. If you find you have made mistakes, re-study the specific unit and
improve on those areas where you err.
You now know how this module is organized to guide you in the study. Please, progress
with the study as conveniently as possible.
We wish you all the best as you progress on with your learning
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SYMBOLS USED
A number of symbols are used in this module. They are like signposts to guide you in the study.
The symbols are:
Activity: This symbol indicates that you should complete the activity indicated before you
proceed with the reading.
Check: This symbol is used to indicate that you are required to check through something,
either a piece of work you have just written or a list of points to be considered in the text.
Congratulations: This shows that you have really achieved something! When you see
this, you will know that you have achieved an important point in the learning program.
Discuss: This encourages you to discuss the activity with a course mate and also seek
guidance from other resource persons.
Hand in: This guides you to hand in your work/assignment to a facilitator as required.
Outcomes: This symbol indicates the learning objectives and expected outcomes of the
Unit, including benefits to you if you do what is learned.
Orientation: This informs you of what is/resources required to support your study of a
particular unit.
Take note: This tells you to take note of or remember an important point.
Question: This indicates that there is a question that you should answer or think about.
Further reading: This indicates an additional reading from another source or module that is
suggested.
Summary: This indicates that a summary is given of what has been covered in the Unit.
Thank you: This symbol thanks you for the achievements you will have gained and
encourages you to move ahead.
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Unit One
General Overview about Sign Languages
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Introduction to Unit One
Dear Student,
You are welcome to study Unit One of this Module on Ugandan Sign Language Practical. This unit
is on general overview about sign language, where you will discuss the myths and realities about
sign languages. You will also deliberate the similarities that exist between spoken languages and
signed languages. Endeavor to discover more and use your time appropriately as you progress with
the study. Feel at home.
Aim of Unit One
The aim of Unit One is to enable attain and practice basic overview knowledge regarding the UgSL
and its grammatical structure.
Objectives of Unit One
The objectives of this unit are to enable you;
i. Discuss the communities’ perceptions about sign language.

ii. Identify the realities about sign language.
iii. Attain knowledge of basic expressions using UgSL gramma.
Topics Covered in Unit One
The topics covered in Unit One are:
Topic One: Myths about sign language.
Topic Two: Similarities between spoken languages and signed languages.
Topic Three: Ugandan Sign Language Gramma versus English Language Gramma.
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Orientation to Unit One
To gain more from Unit One, you need to have with you; a source of internet, a pen/pencil,
supplementary related literature source, and notebook or any other recording device like a
computer, and other resources based on your individual educational needs. These can
enable you to make summaries or enriched notes of whatever you will study.
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Topic One: Myths about Sign Languages
Before you progress with the study of this topic, please do Activity One to make you get
started.
Activity One
In one way or the other, you might have seen people in your community using sign language. Please, write
down in the space provided the perceptions of people in your community, as well as your own perceptions,
about sign language.
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Thank you for your attempt

Please, compare your response with any of your course mates, and verify with the ones provided
Thank you for doing Activity One. Though there are diversity of misconceptions about sign
language, there are several realities about sign language as you will discuss in the proceeding
section.
Realities about sign languages

Some realities about sign language are that;
i. Different countries have their own versions of sign language. For instance, there is Ugandan
Sign Language, Kenyan Sign Language, and South African Sign Language among others.
ii. Sign languages are acquired, learned and develop naturally just like any other spoken
languages.
iii. Sign language is used by groups of people just like any other languages.
iv. Sign languages are not hand gestures as assumed by most people. They have their
grammatical structures and conventions to be observed when using it.
v. Sign languages are rich with vocabulary just like other languages and can be used for
effective communication among its users.
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vi. Sign languages are constitutionally recognized by various states or governments as
independent languages. And for the case of Uganda, Ugandan Sign Language (UgSL) is used
in educational institutions and also taught as a subject and examined.
vii. Like other languages, sign language has scores of language characteristics, i.e., arbitrary,
productive, cultural, creative, systematic, vocalic, social, non-instinctive, variation, and
conventional
Task
In addition to the list given, take time to discuss other realities you know about sign language
that are not included.
Proforms in sign languages
A “proform” is any form that stands in the place of or does the job of, some other form,
which is often a noun. Examples of proforms in sign language usage are signs for moving car or
people meeting by–passing each other.
Task
Please, search for related information about use of proforms in sign languages and enrich
your knowledge about this aspect.
Principles in using sign languages
Some of the moralities and/or values that can be of good guidance to you as a sign language user
are;
i. Maintain face–to–face interaction
ii. Do not handle anything when signing
iii. Do not cover your face when signing
iv. Sign in the presence of sufficient light but avoid background lights that may disrupt
interactions
v. Do not lean on anything when signing
vi. Place your signs within the “signing space”
Relevancies of practical application of Ugandan Sign Language
The relevancies of practical applications of sign by its users are but not limited to;
i. Bridging of communication gap
ii. Easing instruction
iii. Creating the sense of belonging and identity
iv. Enhancing assessment and identification of peoples’ concerns
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v. Improving upon cognitive and social status of people
vi. Enhancing research undertakings
Relevant sources to attain practical experiences and knowledge of Ugandan Sign Language
Ugandan Sign Language practical experiences can be attained through various sources like;
i. UgSL users like deaf children, deaf adults, sign language interpreters and teachers for
children who are deaf.
ii. UgSL website links
iii. UgSL apps like “using” app which is developed by the Uganda National Association
of the Deaf (UNAD)
iv. UgSL dictionary and/or manuals
v. UgSL videos recordings
vi. Television broadcasts and
vii. Other relevant social media like WhatsApp and Facebook
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Topic Two: Similarities between spoken languages and signed languages
Having learned about the myths and realities about sign language in Topic One of this Unit,
you are urged to do Activity Two as a basis for your progression in the study of this module.
Activity Two
Based on your exposure and knowledge, discuss at least five similarities that exist between spoken languages
and signed languages.
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Please, discuss your findings with your course mate and as well as with your facilitator
The parts of the body used for speech include the lungs, vocal cords, the tongue and lips
(commonly known as the vocal tract). Vocal information carried by sound waves are received by the
ears and interpreted by the brain. This is a complex chain but natural and effortless process. Sign
languages like the Ugandan Sign Language (UgSL) is equally complex and achieve communication
easily and naturally by its users, more especially the people in the deaf community. The UgSL users
use the parts of the body that can be seen as they communicate. These include the hands and arms,
face, head, trunk and shoulders. The UgSL users perceive information/messages through seeing
rather than hearing, hence, relayed to the brain for interpretation. Note that, not all gestures and/or
mimes are UgSL, this is a common misconception by non-sign language users.
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Topic Three: Ugandan Sign Language Gramma versus English Language Gramma
Welcome to the study of Topic Three of this unit. Please, do Activity Three then progress
with the study.
Activity Three
1. Write in your note boot/pad about your own feelings about grammatical expressions in any sign
language as compared with that in any spoken language or in English language.
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Please, share your note with your course mates and with your facilitator, too.
Grammatical expressions in UgSL and English languages are not the same, hence,
emphasize proper use of English gramma when teaching English language. The use of proper
English gramma in its written form is paramount for better academic achievement for learners who
are deaf, as writing using UgSL gramma may confuse some examiners. Use of appropriate sign
language gramma is necessary when giving instructions to learners who are deaf. Try to avoid use of
Signed Exact English (SEE) as it may bring confusion to the learners.
➢ English: I am going to town now.
UgSL: NOW-ME-GO-TOWN
SEE: I-AM-GO(ing)-to-TOWN-NOW
➢ English: I had a nice lunch yesterday
UgSL: YESTERDAY-HAVE-LUNCH-NICE
SEE: I-HAD-A-NICE-LUNCH-YESTERDAY
➢ English: We shall have a flight to Nairobi next Sunday.
UgSL: SUNDAY_next/after-WE-FLY-NAIROBI
SEE: WE_shall-HAVE_a-FLIGHT-to-NAIROBI-NEXT-SUNDAY
Task
(a) Translate the following English sentence into UgSL
i. I am grateful for your coming.
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ii. What was your plan yesterday?
iii. We shall go for a visit tomorrow.
iv. Inform her that we are soon going home.
v. I forgot his name.
vi. When did he come at your home?
vii. I was a bit frustrated.
viii. Yes, do it soonest.
ix. She is quite an aggressive woman.
x. It is sad that your grandfather has passed on.
(b) Translate the following UgSL sentences in English

i. ME-FEEL-OKAY
ii. WEEK- LAST-WE-DECIDE-GO-HUNT
iii. PLEASE-THINK-THINK-THINK-AFTER-ACT
iv. WEEK-NEXT-THEY-FINISH-WORK-THEIRS
v. ADMISSION-LIST-READY-WHEN
vi. WE-HURRY-COOK-COOK-EAT
vii. GRANDMOTHER-YOURS-ILL-CALL-YOU-GO-VILLAGE-NURSE
viii. CARE-SELF-SERIOUS-NO-DIE-OR-ARREST
ix. NEED-DISCUSS-WE-YEAR-NEXT-PLAN-HOW
x. YOU-STUDENT-WONDERFUL-LOVE-YOU
Basis for learning and teaching UgSL

Here are fairer ways through which you can learn and/or teach UgSL with ease;
i. Have the knowledge and better ways to articulate or express the manual alphabet and
numbers.
ii. Learn basic and commonly used words/vocabularies of your community, for example,
name, you, me, what, where, among others.
iii. Make diverse consultations where you need guidance or assistance, from the UgSL users
and other resources like UgSL videos, apps, manuals, dictionary, …
iv. Use natural environment, charts/illustrations, and real objects as often as you can.
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v. Take not of and use the sign language parameters/units/elements as appropriately as
possible.
vi. Emphasize and practice use of face-to-face interactions with great maintenance of eye
contacts.
vii. Practice appropriate use of information, communication and technology (ICT) as often as
you can.
viii. Update your knowledge and skills as often as you can.
ix. Use UgSL interpreters’ during teaching and learning session / roles and responsibilities
during use of UgSL during teaching and learning sessions.
x. Bridges instruction gaps where the teacher is ignorant of UgSL (mediator).
xi. Talk directly to the learner and encourage the learner to talk to you directly, too, of
course through the mediation of the sign language interpreter.
Summary of Unit One
In Unit One, you studied about myths and realities about sign languages, as well as similarities
between spoken and signed languages, among others. We hope this has given you a better basis for the
study of this module/course unit. I urge that you make further consultations and deeper reading where
you might have not comprehended well in this unit. Ensure that you understand the unit well before
proceeding with your study in Unit Two.
In Unit Two You will study about basic information regarding the UgSL. We welcome you to the unit
and wish you its successful study.
Thank You
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Unit Two
Basic Information Regarding Ugandan Sign Language
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Introduction to Unit Two
Dear Student,
You are welcome to study Unit Two of this Module on Ugandan Sign Language Practical. Here, you
will explore the basic information regarding the Ugandan Sign Language. Endeavor to discover
more and use your time appropriately as you progress with the study of this module. Feel at home.
Aim of Unit Two
The aim of unit two is to enable you attain basic information regarding the Ugandan Sign Language
which is a basis for your progress in the learning of Ugandan Sign Language.
Objectives of Unit Two
i. Explain the concept communication in relation to the Ugandan Sign Language.

ii. Elaborate on the types of signs used in Ugandan Sign Language.
iii. Distinguish between manual signals and non-manual signals as used in Ugandan Sign
language.
iv. Apply the use of non-manual features in the Ugandan Sign Language.
v. Explain ways through which signs and formed in the Ugandan Sign Language
Topics Covered in Unit One
The topics covered in Unit One are:
Topic One: Communication in Ugandan Sign Language
Topic Two: Types of signs used in Ugandan Sign Language

Topic Three: Manual features and non-manual features in Ugandan Sign Language
Topic Four: Use of non-manual features in Ugandan Sign Language
Topic Five: Formation of signs in Ugandan Sign Language
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Orientation to Unit One
To gain more from Unit One, you need to have with you; a source of internet and use it to
access diversity of presentation in the Ugandan Sign Language to enhance your practice.
In addition, have a pen/pencil, supplementary related literature source, and notebook or
any other recording device as they can help you intaking records of relevant points you
feel necessary.
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Topic One: Communication in Ugandan Sign Language
Before you progress with the study of this topic, please do Activity Four to make you get
started.
Activity Four
i. Based on your experiences, define the concept “communication” and its requirements.
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ii. Elaborate on what “sign language” is.
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Please, compare your response with any of your course mates.
Communication in UgSL requires consideration of; physical conditions, etiquette, signing space,
and appropriate use of hands and arms as presented.
a. Physical conditions
Unlike speakers, signers may not communicate best when they are very close to each other.
They need sufficient space to see other signers well from the waist to the head in order to get
full and/or meaningful visual message. Hence, the signers may tend to sit or stand at
appropriate distances/proximity to each other involved in the conversation. U-shaped or V-
shaped arrangements among the persons conversing is preferrable if they are more than two,
to enhance an appropriate face-to-face interaction.
b. Etiquette
Etiquette refers to good or bad manners for signers just as there are for speakers. Appropriate
cautions and keenness should be taken when; starting conversation, keeping conversation
going, turn-taking, interrupting conversation, and ending conversation. Observation of deaf
cultural practices in paramount here.
c. Observance of signing space
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The signing space is on and in front of the body. It is just below the waist to slightly above
the signer’s head. This is used as the stage on which things, people, and places are to be set
up in relation to each other.
d. Appropriate use of the hands and arms
The signer should appropriately move his/her hands and arms to catch the receivers’ eyes.
She/he should articulate the manual signs with clarity, and use appropriate handshapes,
movements and orientations (directions of palm/fingers). It is essential to remember or
understand that the manual features do not carry the whole messages because they are
simultaneously accompanied by the non-manual features like the facial expressions, upper
body movements, and head shaking or nodding among others.
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Topic Two: Types of Signs used in Ugandan Sign Language
In Topic One, you have gotten enlightenment on the concept communication and how it can
be done in Ugandan Sign Language (UgSL). In Topic Two, you will have discussions on types of
signs used in the UgSL. Have a nice study of the topic.
Activity Five
1. (a) Based on your own imaginations, do you think there are some types of signs that are used when
communicating in UgSL? Yes/No
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(b) Justify your response in 1(a)
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(c) Compare your findings with the proceeding note, and practice signing each of those given signs.
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The types of signs commonly used in UgSL include; one-handed signs, two-handed signs, and
mixed signs as explained below.
a. One – handed signs;
- Those made in space e.g., CHILD, YOU, YOURS, GO, COME, BYE-BYE, …
- Those which touch any part of the body except the other hand e.g., MINE, SORRY,
DEAF, HUNGRY, UNCLE, AUNT, HOSPITAL, STUDENT, …
b. Two – handed signs;
- Where both hands are moving and active whether in space or touching each other or the
signer’s body e.g., WAY, RIVER, RUN, WELCOME, INTEREST, MOTIVATE, HOW,
WHERE, BOY, …
- Where the leading hand contacts the other, and both handshapes are the same e.g.,
WORK, FORGIVE, GIRL, CHALLENGE, COMPETE, KISS, …
- Where the leading hand contacts the other, but the handshapes are different e.g.,
REGISTER, REPRESENTS, WHAT, REPEAT, AGAIN, HELP, SUPPORT, …
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c. Mixed signs;
These can change from one-handed signs to two-handed signs and vice – versa e.g.,
PROMISE, SISTER, BROTHER, LEARN, DAUGHTER, SON, GRANDMOTHER,
GRANDFATHER, …
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Topic Three: Manual features and non-manual features in Ugandan Sign Language
In Topic Two, you have learned about the types of signs used in the UgSL. I appreciate and
hope you have begun to learn all those signs you encountered. If not, please learn them before you
progress to the study of Topic Three. In this topic, you will learn about manual signals as well as
non-manual signals as applicable in the UgSL. You are welcome.
Activity Six
1. (a) Remember what you might have learned earlier about the manual “features/signals” and non-
manual “features/signals” as used in signed language. Please, write the distinctions of the two in the
space provided below, or in your note pad.
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(b) Share your findings with a colleague student.
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The manual features and non-manual features, also called manual signals and non-manual
signals are great aspects to be known and utilized as effectively as possible by the UgSL users. In
addition to your findings from Activity Five, study the proceeding note.
The manual features/signals used in UgSL are handshapes like; closed, open, flat, clawed, …
handshapes, and hand movements like; alternate, parallel, zig-zag, linear, cyclic, … movements.
These will be discussed into details as you progress with studying this module.
Non–manual features/signals used in UgSL greatly involve the use of the signer’s face, head
and upper body. The messages given by the face, for instance, are less obvious than those given by
the hands, though they are very important. A manual sign that is supported by information from
these other parts of the body, that is face, head, and upper body, is called a multi-channel sign. This
is because it has more than one means of expression to give full message.
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Task
1. Based on your experiences and/or initiatives to learn, give any five examples of multi-
channel signs you have ever used or gotten encountered with, through the use of each of the
following;
a. Head nodding/nodding
b. Eye widening/narrowing
c. Face shrinking
d. Cheek inflating/deflating
e. Upper body movements
2. Demonstrate how to use each of the signs you have given in question one, above.
Thank you
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Topic Four: Use of Non-manual Features in Ugandan Sign Language
In Topic Three you have learned about manual signals as well as non-manual signals as
applicable in the UgSL. Hopefully, you have progressed with building on your vocabulary in UgSL,
as you did the given activities in the proceeded topic. If not, go back and re-study the topic. If yes,
thank you, and proceed with the study of Topic Four. In this topic, you will build on your skills and
knowledge on how to use non-manual features in the UgSL.
Activity Seven
1. Explain how you can use the non-manual signals as you communicate in the UgSL.
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In UgSL, the non-manual signals may be used as explained in the proceeding notes. Please,
study the notes and practice using the features as appropriately as possible.
(a) The whole face: The signer uses his/her face to show changing emotions. The face may be
used to function as the tone of a speaker’s voice. It can express positive or negative
responses. However, a signer’s face can indicate how an action is done, for instance to
“watch something or an event suspiciously or surprisingly. The individual features of the
face, mouth, cheeks, and the eyes of a signer can change the meaning of a message conveyed
in several ways. They also show how some actions are done.
(b) The mouth and cheek: An open mouth with teeth clenched or tightened can show stress,
while a loose pout with slightly puffed cheeks may indicate ease or acceptance. A loose or
open mouth, sometimes with the tongue showing, may imply boredom or carelessness. A
signer’s mouth and the cheeks can also show variations in size and volume, for example,
fully puffed cheeks added to a description of water, wind or rain may mean heavy flow or
fall. Pursed lips and sucked-in cheeks can indicate thinness or tinniness.
20
(c) The eyes: The eyes present information in several ways. They give the face its emotional
tone. When the eyes are widened, it can indicate surprise. It narrows to indicate doubt. It
reinforces the information given by the mouth movements and the cheeks for instance on
how an action is done. The eyes can be narrowed to show intensity for example in distance,
e.g., FAR and VERY-FAR are distinguished by the eye narrowing. The eye gaze, that is the
direction to which the eyes look, can indicate the direction or placement of things or the way
they move.
(d) The eye brow: The eye brows move together with the eyes. They can knit when the eyes are
narrowed and rise when the eyes are widened. The eye brows take the lead more especially
for questioning.
(e) The head: The head is important in punctuation. It can break up sentences with brief nods
and tilts. The head movements are also important, along with the eye gaze, in making
placements or locating things referred to. Head nods make affirmations or positive
statements. Head nods basically make negative statements.
(f) The body: The body is the whole trunk right from the signer’s waist to his/her neck. The
body can be tensed when articulating anger or shocking circumstances. A forward tilt of the
body can show astonishment, interest or curiosity. Its backward tilt can indicate defiance or
suspicion.
Conclusively, for you to understand and use UgSL with fluency, you should be able to read or
comprehend the messages given by all different parts of a signer’s body, i.e., the non-manual
together with the manual signals. You too, have to articulate your messages in the like manner.
21
Topic Five: Formation of Signs in Ugandan Sign Language
Hope you have built on your skills and knowledge on how to use non-manual features in the
UgSL, which was a component of Topic Four. Topic Five expose you in discussing how signs are
formed in the UgSL. Welcome to its study.
Activity Eight
1. (a) Discuss with a colleague on how you think signs are formed in UgSL.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
(b) Write down your assumptions and present to the rest of your study cohort.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Signs in UgSL are formed conventionally and through imitations or copying, hence leading to
formation of either arbitrary signs or iconic signs. However, both of these formations are done
through research studies on existing signs used by the deaf communities within the country for
authentic recognition and acknowledgement. However, quite a number of indigenous or natural
signs/signals are commonly used by deaf people who have not attended formal education or
interacted with members of the deaf community. Like any other languages, UgSL is naturally
acquired and/or learned. Many children who are born deaf or with severe hearing challenges, and
nurtured in the families who do not know UgSL, always grow up using gestures rather than UgSL.
i. Conventional formation of signs
Here, the deaf community come to an agreement on how to sign objects/things,
circumstances/situations, events, … they encounter within their daily life experiences.
For instance, they can unanimously agree that let us sign, for instance, “holy spirit” like
this or that. Most of these signs do not have any significant relationships or resemblance
with their referents (i.e., what they refer to/stand for). These signs are called arbitrary
signs, and of course they do not have any relationships or resemblances at all to the
22
objects, situations, … they refer to. Examples of arbitrary signs are signs for; GOD,
LOVE, IDEA, MOTIVATE, and DIRECT among others.
ii. Formation of signs through imitating/copying the shapes of objects or actions used in
performing activities
The signs that have some degree of relationships to the shapes of objects they stand for
or the actions used in performances are similarly accepted and unanimously
acknowledged by members of the deaf community. The only unique thing with they are
that relationship they have with their referents or what they stand for. These signs are
referred to as iconic signs. A few examples of iconic signs that have relationships to the
shapes of objects they stand for are; BALL, TABLE, CUP, and COMPOUND among
others. The iconic signs that have relationships to the actions MATOOKE, SWEET
BANANA, RIDE, VOLLEY BALL, and FIGHT among others.
Activity Nine
List down and practice signing at least ten signs under each of the categories;
i. Arbitrary signs
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
ii. Iconic signs with relationship to the actions of referents
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
iii. Iconic signs with relationships to the shapes of referents
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Please, share your findings with your course mate and as well as with your facilitator
23
Summary of Unit Two
In Unit Two, you studied about basic information regarding the UgSL. I hope you study of this chapter
has been a basis to support you in building your skills and knowledge in the practicum of UgSL. I urge
that you try your label best to comprehend all that you are studying in this practical course unit. Where
you might have not comprehended well in this unit, please, ensure that you understand it well before
proceeding with your study in Unit Three. However, I wish you a successful study of Unit Three where
you will learn about the parameters of UgSL.
Thank You
24
Unit Three
Parameters of Ugandan Sign Language
25
Introduction to Unit Three
Dear Student,
You are welcome to study Unit Three of this Module on Ugandan Sign Language Practical.
We hope you have begun building your skills and knowledge in the practicum of UgSL. In this unit,
you will continue building on your skills and knowledge in the practicum aspects of UgSL, as you
examine its various elements. Endeavor to discover and practice as many signs as you can and use
your time appropriately when you progress with the study. Feel at home and continue with the
study.
Aim of Unit Three
The aim of unit three is to enable you comprehend and use the parameters of UgSL.
Objectives of Unit Three
i. Distinguish among the parameters of Ugandan Sign Language

ii. Identify and different signs that fall under different parameters of the UgSL
iii. Demonstrate the use of various signs as categorized by the parameters they fall under.
Topics Covered in Unit Three
The topics covered in Unit Three are:
Topic One: Parameters of Ugandan Sign Language
Topic Two: Handshape as a Parameter of Ugandan Sign Language
Topic Three: Orientation as a Parameter of Ugandan Sign Language
Topic Four: Movement as a Parameter of Ugandan Sign Language
Topic Five: Location as a Parameter of Ugandan Sign Language
Topic Six: Facial Expression as a Parameter of Ugandan Sign Language
26
Orientation to Unit Three
To gain more from Unit Three, you need to have with you; a source of internet to access
various presentation on UgSL, a pen/pencil, supplementary related literature source, and
notebook or any other recording device like a computer, and other resources based on your
individual educational needs. These can enable you to make summaries or enriched notes
of whatever you will study.
27
Topic One: Parameters of Ugandan Sign Language
Before you progress with the study of this topic, please do Activity Ten to make you get
started.
Activity Ten
1. (a) Define, “parameter” in relation to sign languages.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
(b) Outline any five parameters of sigs.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………
(a) Explain any five relevancies of the knowledge of sign language parameters to you, as a sign language
learner.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

The parameters also known as units or elements of sign language are the smallest
components that compose a meaningful sign. They are indeed the essential aspects of sign languages
required for its production and/or articulation. The parameters are; handshape, orientation,
movement, location, and facial expression
28
Topic Two: Handshape as a Parameter of Ugandan Sign Language
Hope you have been able to identify and discuss the five parameters of sign language with
your colleagues and also gotten enlightenment about them from your facilitator. Proceed by doing
Activity Eleven which is about handshape as a parameter of UgSL.
Activity Eleven
1. (a) Based on your own understanding and previous studies, define “handshape” as a parameter of
UgSL.
.…………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………
(b) Identify any ten handshapes presented in Figure One, and demonstrate each of them to your course
mates, and to your facilitator, too.
(c) Give at least five UgSL signs that each of the identified handshapes can be used for articulating.
.…………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Please, share your findings with your course mates and as well as with your facilitator
Every sign has a basic handshape which may stay as it is or change as the sign is being
made. A handshape is the way the signer’s hand is “shaped/molded” by him/her when articulating a
particular sign. More than thirty handshapes have been identified in UgSL, see Figure One. Some of
the handshapes are formed from the way things are held and/or used, for example., handling a hoe,
peeling a banana, and so forth. Various handshapes used in UgSL include; clawed handshape, open
handshape, flat handshape, fist/closed handshape, curved handshape, and bent handshape, among
others. Many more illustrations of handshapes used in the UgSL are as indicated in Figure One.
29
vi vii viii
i ii iii iv v
ix x xi xii xvi
xiii xiv xv
xvii xviii xix xx xxi xxii xxiii xxiv
xxxii
xxv xxvi xxvii xxviii xxix xxx xxxi
xxxiii xxxiv xxxv xxxvi xxxvii xxxviii xxxix xl
xli xlii xlii xliv xlvi xlvii xlviii xlix

Figure One: Various handshapes used in UgSL
30
Topic Three: Orientation as a Parameter of Ugandan Sign Language
Welcome to the study of Topic Three of this Unit. We hope you are now getting enriched
with fair vocabularies in the UgSL. In this topic, you will study about orientation as the second
parameter in the UgSL. Do Activity Twelve as you progress with the study
Activity Twelve
1. (a) Based on your previous studies and own initiatives, define “orientation” as used as a parameter of
sign languages.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………
(b) Demonstrate to your course mates the various types of orientations you know, in UgSL use in
particular.
Please, share your findings with your course mates and with your facilitator, too.
Orientation is basically known as palm orientation of finger orientation. It is one of the

parameters or elements of UgSL which is related to the direction that the palm, hand or fingers face
when articulating any particular sign, in relation to the signer’s body. The direction can be; towards
the signer, out of the signer, downwards, upwards, or sideways. Two handshapes may be used in
articulating a sign, but alterations in their directions may change the signs meaning or make it
meaningless. For example, the sign for NAME may be messed to mean SIT due to alteration of the
orientation. The sign for COMPUTER may become DEMOCRATIC-REPUBLIC-OF-CONGO
(CONGO) when the orientation is altered. And the sign for NOW may become HERE due to the
orientations.
31
Task
1. Demonstrate how the palm is oriented in each of the following illustrations in Figure Two.
2. Give at least two signs that can be produced by each of the orientation you have
demonstrated.
i ii iii iv v vi vii
xi xii xiii
viii ix x xiv
Figure Two: Palm/finger orientation
32
Topic Four: Movement as a Parameter of Ugandan Sign Language
Welcome to Topic Four of this unit where you will study about movement as one of the
parameters of UgSL. Begin by doing Activity Thirteen.
Activity Thirteen
1. (a) Based on your previous studies and own initiatives, define “movement” as used as a parameter of
sign languages.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………
(b) Demonstrate to your course mates the various types of movements you know, in UgSL use in
particular.
Movement refers to the shifts or moves or swings made;
i. When articulated particular signs. These moves can be; cyclic, linear, parallel, zig-zag, or
alternate, among others.
ii. On the upper body parts, also when articulating specific signs like RUN, DANCE, SWIM,
… This can indicate the velocity or intensity of what is being referred to, for example sign
for “jogging: is different from that of “sprinting” or “racing”.
Each sign has a specific movement of its own. A change in movement made when articulating
any particular sign can change or destroy the meaning of that sign.
33
Task
1. Identify and demonstrate the movements shown in each of the illustrations in Figure Three.
2. Give at least two UgSL signs which have such movements.
iii iv v
i ii
vi vii viii
ix x
xv xvi
xiii xiv
xii
Figure Three: Movement as parameter of UgSL
Give any other movements you know which is not included in the given illustrations and
demonstrate how it is used in UgSL
34
Topic Five: Location as a Parameter of Ugandan Sign Language
Welcome to Topic Five of this unit where you will study about location as one of the
parameters of UgSL. Begin by doing Activity Fourteen.
Activity Fourteen
1. (a) Based on your previous studies and own initiatives, define “location” as used as a parameter of
sign languages.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………
(b) Demonstrate to your course mates the various types of locations you know, in UgSL use in
particular.
Location is where the articulated signs are placed either within the neutral space (signing
area) or on a specific body part. However, other referents/items/things talked about can be located
by pointing. Note that, signs can be made with one hand or two hands in space in front of the body,
or, by touching the arms, shoulders, chest, head, and parts of the face, among others. Can you
identify some of the signs, and explain/demonstrate each of them appropriately. Some signs are
located below the waist e.g., TROUSER, SHORTS, SKIRT, … and others are located slightly above
the head e.g., CAMPAIGN, PRESIDENT, CATTLE, UNDERSTAND, CLEVER, BISHOP, …
Task
1. Explain where each of the given signs in Figure Four is allocated/placed.
2. Give the meaning of each of the signs.
iv
i ii iii
v vi vii viii
35
ix
x Xi xii
xiii xiv xv xvi
xvii xviii xix xx
xxi xxii xxiii xxiv
xxv xxvi
Figure Four: Location as parameter of UgSL
36
Topic Six: Facial Expression as a Parameter of Ugandan Sign Language
Welcome to Topic Six of this unit where you will study about facial expression as one of the
parameters of UgSL. Begin by doing Activity Fifteen.
Activity Fifteen
1. (a) Based on your previous studies and own initiatives, define “facial expression” as used as a
parameter of sign languages.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………
(b) Demonstrate to your course mates the various types of facial expressions you know, in UgSL use
in particular.
Facial expressions also known as non-manual signals are the ways a signer’s face is
expressed simultaneously in relation to the articulated manual signs. Facial expressions give detailed
meaning to the signs being expressed by the signer.
Task
1. (a) Identify any five different facial expressions presented in Figure Five.
(b) Demonstrate how each of the identified facial expression is expressed.
(c) Use each of the five identified facial expressions in constructing correct sentences in
UgSL grammatical structure.
37
i ii iii iv v vi vii viii ix xi xii xiii xiv
`
xv xvi xvii xviii xix xx xxi xxii xxiii xxiv xxv xxvi xxvii
xxviii xxix xxx xxxii xxxiii xxxiv xxxv xxxvi xxxvii xxxviii xxxix xl
xxxi
liv lv lvi lvii lviii lix lx lxi lxii lxiii

li lii liii
lxiv lxv lxvi lxvii lxviii lxvix lxvxx lxvxxi lxvxxii lxvxxiii lxvxxiv lxvxxv lxvxxvi
Figure Five: Facial expression as parameter of UgSL
38
Summary of Unit Three
In Unit Three, you studied about the parameters of UgSL where you further explored on its various
aspects like; handshapes, orientation and location among others. We hope this has been a good
practical progression for you in the study of this module. Where you might have not comprehended
well in this unit, please, ensure that you understand it well before proceeding with your study in Unit
Four. We wish you a successful progression to the study of Unit Four where you will learn about
practical applications of the Ugandan Sign Language.
Thank You
39
Unit Four
Practical Applications of Ugandan Sign Language
40
Introduction to Unit Four
Dear Student,
You are welcome to study Unit Four of this Module on Ugandan Sign Language Practical.
We hope you enjoyed the study of Unit Three on the parameters of Ugandan Sign Language. In
this Unit Four, you will engage in practicing all the signs you have so far learned and the ones you
are yet to learn. Endeavor to discover and practice as many signs as you can and use your time
appropriately when you progress with the study. Feel at home and continue with the study.
Aim of Unit Four
The aim of Unit Four is to enable you practice diversity of UgSL signs learned and those
yet to bet learned.
Objectives of Unit Four
i. Use your fingers to present spellings of different words as required in the use of UgSL.
ii. Use your fingers to articulate different number as required in the use of UgSL.
iii. Salute people using UgSL.
iv. Initiate and sustain basic communication using UgSL.
Topics Covered in Unit Four
The topics covered in Unit Four are:
Topic One: The Manual Alphabet and Fingerspelling
Topic Two: The Manual Numbers
Topic Three: Greetings, Directional Signs, and Negations
Topic Four: General Assignments for Further Practice
41
Orientation to Unit Four
To gain more from Unit Four, you need to have with you; a source of internet to access
various vocabularies of UgSL and their applications, a pen/pencil, supplementary related
literature source, and notebook or any other recording device like a computer, and other
resources based on your individual educational needs. These can enable you to make
summaries or enriched notes of whatever you will study.
42
Topic One: The Manual Alphabet and Fingerspelling
Before you progress with the study of this topic, please do Activity Sixteen to make you get started.
Activity Sixteen
1. Explain the differences between “manual alphabet” and “fingerspelling”
…..……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………..…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
2. Explain the relevancies of manual alphabet and fingerspelling in the education of learners who are deaf in
your inclusive classroom.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
…………..……………………………………………………………………………………………………
.………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
3. Elaborate on ways through which you can support learners who are deaf to benefit from the knowledge
and use of manual alphabet and fingerspelling as they learn in your inclusive classroom.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………..……………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Manual alphabet is the presentation of the twenty-six letters of alphabet through finger
positions and formations using specific handshapes for each letter as accepted by members of the
deaf community. Fingerspelling is using the manual letters to spell various words, names of;
people, places or things whose signs are not known by a sign language user or users concerned.
The manual alphabet and fingerspelling support in teaching new words or signs to sign language
learners or deaf children to attain literacy skills, i.e., ability to read and write. It is important to
note that fingerspelling is not sign language but supports the teaching and learning of sign
language. It is also good to understand that sign language has no written form but can be recorded
43
and stored through motion pictures (video recordings or animations), and also through still
pictures accompanied with illustrations.
Take care of the following when articulating the fingerspelling;
i. Place the letters you are fingerspelling in sequence, i.e., spacing each co-currently, within the
signing space around your shoulder. Avoid placing some letters so much higher or lower than
others. This also applied to the presentation of manual numbers.
ii. Your palm should face towards your recipients when articulating the manual letters, except
for letters; g, h, p, and q.
iii. Relax, be flexible and in the mood of fingerspelling.
iv. Never look at your own fingers when fingerspelling.
v. Do not move your hands back and front, neither upwards and downwards.
vi. Try to fingerspell clearly without any panic.
vii. Do a lot of practice in order to make your fingers and arm be flexible to enable both fine and
gross motor.
viii. Start with a farer speed that you are comfortable with and improve on the speed gradually.
ix. Do not thrive on guess work, hence, be sure of what you are fingerspelling.
Take care of the following when receiving fingerspelling;
i. Be keen, composed and attentive to comprehend the fingerspelling.

ii. Ask for repetition where you have not comprehended well, in a situation of face-to-
face interaction. This may not be possible for a recorded reception.
iii. Sit or stand at a reasonable distance for clear reception.
iv. Ensure there is sufficient illumination/lighting from the source.
v. Avoid reading letter by letter but study the letter transition and read in syllables.
vi. Keenly observe both the fingerspelling and the presenter’s lip pattern at a go, as it can
enhance your comprehension.
vii. Wait for the word to be fully finger spelt, however on some occasions comprehension
of some spelt words may even be completed before the word is fully spelt.
viii. Check the first three and the last three letters carefully since they can give you clue of
the what being spelt.
44
Task
1. Study and practice fingerspelling the illustrations in Figure Six
Aa Bb Cc Dd Ee
Ff Gg Hh Ii Jj
Kk Ll Mm Nn Oo
Pp Qq Rr Ss Tt
Uu Vv Ww Xx Yy
Zz
Enhance your fingerspelling skills

Figure Six: Manual Alphabet
45
2. Fingerspell your; name, village name, and the name of a friend of yours.
3. Fingerspell each of the following words, and endeavour to learn their respective signs as used in
UgSL; sign, yes, no, day, evening, try, language, me, you, we, which, together, what, milk, now,
here, there, all, want, go, come, stand, sit, and, like, walk, jump, know, understand, with.
4. Fingerspell and learn the signs each of the following words as used in UgSL; love, clever, stupid,
student, learn, welcome, hate, remember, forget, afternoon, night, about, buy, tree, God, fear,
worry, clear, well, money, maize, where, when, not-clear, who, morning, meaning, project, new,
confuse, time, when, home, family, how, well, death, die, same, different, maybe, somehow, not,
accept, nothing, another, refuse, accept, young, youth, old, has, have.
5. Fingerspell and learn the signs each of the following words as used in UgSL; member, family,
old, young, youth, man, woman, where, home, house, village, marry, deliver, produce, born,
father, mother, girl, boy, daughter, son, sister, brother, follower, cousin, aunt, wife, baby,
husband, grandfather, grandmother, relative.
46
Topic Two: The Manual Numbers
Welcome to Topic Two, begin by doing Activity Seventeen then progress with the study thereafter.
Activity Seventeen
1. Based on your own understanding, explain what a “manual number” could be meaning.
…..………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………..………………………………………………………………………………………
2. Explain the relevancies of manual numbers in the education of learners who are deaf in your inclusive
classroom.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………..……………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
3. Elaborate on ways through which you can support learners who are deaf to benefit from the knowledge
and use of manual numbers as they learn in your inclusive classroom.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………..……………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Manual numbers are articulated using various specific finger configurations representing
respective numbers as agreed upon the concerned deaf community. These illustrations, “a” to “e”
a c d e represents a few numbers in UgSL, can you

b
indicate the numbers each of them could be representing? However, as opposed to the palm
facing the recipient of the sign like in articulation of manual alphabet, in articulating manual
numbers, the palm faces the signer, with the exceptions of numbers; zero, six, eight, nine, ten,
47
and others which you can identify during your practice. As you articulate each of the numbers,
remember to simultaneously use the required non-manual signals like the lip movements, to bring
clarity in the message you are passing to the receiver. From number zero to nine, articulate using
one hand. Each of the numbers from ten to fifteen is articulated using two hands, then from
sixteen onwards are articulated using one hand. You need to understand this well for your better
use of the UgSL.
Task
1. Study the illustrations in Figure Seven and practice signing the illustrated numbers.
2. Sign the following numbers; 5, 8, 20, 21, 88, 90, 96, 74, 57, 200, 256, 391, 586, 1000, 2700,
5990, 1000000, 3568000.
48
or or
One Two Three (any, can work) Four Five
Six Seven Eight Nine Ten Eleven (Sign ten followed by one)
Twelve (Sign ten followed by two) Thirteen (Sign ten followed by three) Fourteen (Sign ten followed by four) Zero
or
Fifteen (Sign ten followed by five) Sixteen (Sign one and six sequentially using Seventeen (Sign one and seven sequentially using one hand)
one hand)
Eighteen (Sign one and eight sequentially Nineteen (Sign one and nine sequentially Twenty (Sign two followed by zero sequentially using one
using one hand) using one hand) hand)
or
Thirty (Sign three followed by zero Forty (Sign four followed by zero Fifty (Sign five followed by zero sequentially using one hand)
sequentially using one hand) sequentially using one hand)
49
Sixty (Sign six followed by zero sequentially Seventy (Sign seven followed by zero Eighty (Sign eight followed by zero sequentially using one
using one hand) sequentially using one hand) hand)
Ninety (Sign nine followed by zero Sign one followed by a zero and another One, followed by a comma One – zero, followed by a
sequentially using one hand) zero sequentially using one hand) comma
Figure Seven: Manual Numbers
50
Topic Three: Greetings, Directional Signs, and Negations
Welcome to the study of Topic Three where you will learn about; greetings, directional
signs and negations as applicable in the UgSL.
1. Greetings in Ugandan Sign Language
Activity Eighteen
1. Learn and practice greetings in various ways using UgSL;
i. Hello
ii. Good morning
iii. Good afternoon
iv. Good evening
v. Good night
vi. Some how
vii. Fine
viii. Well

Please, practice the greeting in pares. Guide and correct your colleague as may be
appropriate.
2. Directional Signs
Activity Nineteen
1. Use each of the following verbs to construct correct sentences in UgSL gramma;
i. Welcome
ii. Have
iii. Has
iv. Give
v. Inform
vi. Observe
vii. Ask
viii. Look
ix. Tell
x. Teach
2. Present in UgSL each of the sentences you have constructed.
51
3. Compare your presentations with that of your course mates.

Please, share your findings with your colleague and guide each other as may be
appropriate.
Movements of some verbs indicate where the action is coming from and where it is going.
These verbs are called directional verbs, and their movements and orientation detailed provide
information about the referent, or what they are referring to. Examples of these verbs are; HAVE,
GIVE, WELCOME, GO, LOOK, INFORM, OBSERVE, COME, ASK, TELL, and TEACH,
among others. When using the directional verbs, the movements and orientation of the signs give
clear information of who is doing what and to whom.
Examples:
➢ English: Please, give her the mango.
UgSL: PLEASE-MANGO-GIVE
➢ English: Go to the classroom
UgSL: CLASSROOM_point to it-GO
➢ English: You informed me yesterday that you were sick
UgSL: YESTERDAY-INFORM_directed from receiver to the signer-SICK
➢ English: Let us look at each other.
UgSL: YOU-ME-LOOK or BOTH-LOOK

Ask him/her Ask me I have
She/he There
has
3. Negations/Denials
Negations in UgSL are in most cases accompanied by negative headshakes and appropriate
indicative facial expressions. The placement of signs indicating the negatives are mostly placed at
the end of the sentences or following the verbs or adjective they negate. Common vocabularies
used to present negatives in UgSL include; PEE, meaning “not available” or “nothing”, NOT,
NO, ZERO/NOTHING or NEVER.
Examples
➢ English: I do not have any children
UgSL: ME-CHILDREN-HAVE-PEE or CHILDREN-HAVE-PEE or CHILDREN-HAVE-
NO/NOTHING
➢ English: Do not beat your sister
UgSL: BEAT-SISTER-YOUR-NO
➢ English: Why can’t you go to school?
UgSL: YOU-GO-SCHOOL-PEE-WHY
➢ English: I don’t understand the problem
UgSL: ME-UNDERSTAND-PROBLEM-NEVER
Activity Twenty
1. Trace for any video presentation in UgSL where negations are used.
2. Explain how the negations are used in the video you have identified.
3. Share your findings with a colleague course mate.

Please, share your findings with your colleague and seek for guidance as may be
appropriate.
Topic Four: General Assignments for Further Practice
Welcome to the study of Topic Four which is the last topic of this module. In this topic, we
greatly encourage you to do all the assignments given. Approach as many sources for practical
UgSL as you can to enable you accomplish the assignments. In case of any challenges, do not
hesitate to approach the resourceful persons at your immediate reach.
Assignment One
1. Watch and analyse any UgSL video presentations you are able to access either through
YouTube or any other source you can afford.
2. Compose, video-record, and present your own videos in UgSL.
3. Together with your colleagues and your UgSL facilitator, analyse the videos you composed
and recorded.
Activity Two
Fingerspell and learn the signs of the following;
i. Your full name as well as “sign name”
ii. The name of your district
iii. The name of your school
iv. The name of your children
v. The name of your parents
vi. Name of any other five districts in your region
vii. Name of any five countries in Africa
viii. Name of any five animals
ix. Name of any five birds
x. Name of any five foods
xi. Name of any five fruits
Assignment Three
Present the following sets of numbers using UgSL;
i. 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
ii. 20, 25, 30, 37, 40, 48, 50, 51, 60, 66, 70, 73, 80, 82, 90, 94, 100
iii. 101, 200, 256, 300, 499, 500, 644, 771, 888, 902, 1000
iv. 2500, 6842, 9909, 8000, 3400, 100000, 600000, 3000000
Assignment Four
Vocabulary acquisitions (School situation)
(a) Learn and present the signs of the following items available at school;
Book, pen, wall, floor, computer, rubber, teacher, pupil, child, children, chalk, chair, desk,
classroom, compound, subject, mathematics, English, science, teach, teacher, learn, library,
office, paper, study, fail, pass, complete.
(b) Use the each of the vocabularies you have learned to create sentences using UgSL vocabulary,
and practice signing the sentences you have created.
Assignment Five
Vocabulary acquisitions (Family situation)
(a) Learn to use UgSL in signing the following: man, woman, boy, girl, produce, father, mother,
old, young, daughter, son, sister, brother, baby, grow, follow, grandmother, grandfather, youth,
aunt, cousin, nephew, uncle, house, kitchen, cook, bathe, wash, play, joke, sad, happy, come,
go.
(b) Create and practice different sentences in UgSL using the vocabularies you have learned in (a)
Assignment Six
Vocabulary acquisitions (Work situations)
(a) Learn and practice signing the following words that are commonly used in the work places;
Hoe, farm, dig, write, stop, apply, admit, dismiss, improve, profit, loss, idea, together, with,
secretary, official, telephone, contact, busy, receive, government, policy, law, regulation,
administer, manage, control, oppress, support, help, responsible, computer, salary, freedom,
free, rest, tired, reply, respond, decide, fast, slow.
(b) Use the vocabularies you have learned in (a) to compose relevant sentences in UgSL, and then,
practice signing the composed sentences.
Assignment Seven
Vocabulary acquisitions (Food and beverages and related vocabularies)
(a) Learn the signs of the following: beans, maize, carrot, potato, banana, pawpaw, water, drink, eat,
meat, bread, cake, sweets, tea, porridge, salt, vegetables, flour, rice, blue band, knife, table, plate,
cup, fork, spoon, eggs, coffee, lunch, breakfast, supper, glass, fish, posho, oranges, mangoes,
millet, irish potato, soda, fanta, beer, coke, wine, nice, satisfied, hungry, soup.
(b) Use the vocabularies you have learned in (a) to create relevant sentences in UgSL. Then, practice
signing the sentences you have created.
Assignment Eight
Vocabulary acquisitions (time and weather and related vocabularies)
(a) Learn to sign the following using UgSL; today, tomorrow, now, after, before, past, late, early,
morning, afternoon, evening, night, mid-night, minutes, hour, finish, week, month, year, always,
every day, quick, slow, future, later, soon, day, weather, hot, cold, rain, mud, wind, air, snow.
(b) Use the vocabularies you have learned in (a) to create relevant sentences using UgSL. Practice
signing the created sentences.
Assignment Nine
Vocabulary acquisitions (Health and related vocabularies)
(a) Practice signing the following: hospital, doctor, servant, nurse, patient, temperature, ward, clean,
dirty, neat, condom, kiss, counsel, community, test, virus, bacteria, malaria, mosquito, diarrhoea,
measles, blood, water, skin, disease, sick, headache, stomach ache, break(age), drug, tablet, room,
number, inject, stop, abstain, protect, sex, spouse, theatre.
(b) Use the learned signs to compose meaningful sentences in UgSL, and practice signing the
composed sentences.
Assignment Ten
Vocabulary acquisitions (Animals and birds and related vocabularies)
(a) Learn and practice signing the following: animal, bird, fly, walk, run, zebra, elephant, rhino,
hippopotamus, monkey, climb, giraffe, hyena, snake, crocodile, swim, hide, swallow, chase,
fight, pig, goat, domestic, wild, forest, home, bat, lizard, frog, fish, snail, tortoise, tiger, antelope,
cattle, sheep, chimpanzee, warthog, cheetah, lion, buffalo.
(b) Use the learned vocabularies to create meaningful sentences in UgSL, and practice signing the
created sentences.
Assignment Eleven
Vocabulary acquisitions (Week days and months of the year and related vocabularies)
(a) Learn to sign the following; week, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday,
Sunday, month, January, February, March, April, may, June, July, august, September, October,
November, December, pray, wash, easter, fast, Eid …, Christmas, celebrate, hero, day.
(b) Use the learned vocabularies in (a) to compose relevant sentences in UgSL, then, practice signing
the created sentences
Assignment Twelve
Vocabulary acquisitions (Colors and related signs)
(a) Learn to sign the following: colour, blue, black, yellow, red, pink, sky, original, fake, duplicate,
brown, purple, white, orange.
(b) Use the learned vocabularies to compose relevant sentences in UgSL, and practice signing the
composed sentences.
Assignment Thirteen
Vocabulary acquisitions (Religion and related vocabularies)
(d) Practice signing the following; service, preach, lord, Christ, Jesus, Mohamed, saviour, prophet,
worship, welcome, church, mosque, kneel, stand, pray, meditate, miracle, salvation, save,
everlasting, confess, God, Allah, humble, peace, sin, sing, praise, accept, repent, vision, forgive,
true, life, soul, burn, live, glory, believe, innocent, heaven, hell, resurrect, Abraham, holy, spirit,
priest, pastor, reverend, nun, sister, brother, bible, Koran..
(e) Use the signs you have learned to create reasonable sentences in UgSL, and practice signing the
sentences you have created.
Assignment Fourteen
Placement
Translate the following English sentences into UgSL and sign each of the sentences as
appropriate;
i. The car went over the bridge.
ii. The canoe is sailing in the water.
iii. Sarah went into the house and disappeared.
iv. Musisi’s book is on the left side of the table.
v. Pictures of lions are on both sides of the sofa.
vi. The computer is in my office over there.
vii. The monkey sleeps in the tree.
viii. My house is fifty meters from here.
ix. Pack your motor cycle near that car.
x. Place that bottle in the crate.
Summary of Unit Four
In Unit Four, you studied about practical applications of UgSL where you covered; manual
alphabet and fingerspelling, manual numbers, and greetings, directional signs, and negations
among others. We hope this has been a good practical exposure for you in the study of this
module. Where you might have not comprehended well in this unit, please, ensure that you
rehearse for better achievements. We are grateful for your study of the module.
Thank You
READING LIST
Good Samaritan School for the Deaf (2023). Ugandan sign language manual for families. Retrieved from;
https://www.scribd.com/document/54...
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-7Hn586b6x4 (UgSL; numbers, family members, food stuff)
Lutalo-Kiingi, S. (2014). A descriptive grammar of morphosyntactic constructions in Ugandan Sign Language.
Preston, England: University of Central Lancashire. Unpublished Ph.D. Thesis.
National Deaf Childrens Society (NDCS) (2013). Communicating with deaf child in Ugandan Sign Language.
New Castle: NDCS. Retrieved from https://www.ndcs.org.uk/media/1490/ugandan-sign-language-book-
1&2.pdf
Sign Health Uganda (2023). Sign numbers and sign alphabet: Building deaf friendly communities. Kampala:
Sign Health Uganda
Uganda Sign Language Dictionary
Uganda Sign Language Manual
Usign app
ANSWERS TO THE ACTIVITIES
Activity One
Common myths about sign languages

Many people in the community, and perhaps you too, still have a lot of misconceptions about sign
language. Some people believe that sign language:
i. Is broken version of English or any other spoken language which is conveyed using hands in form of
gestures.
ii. Is universal and used in similar version among its users across communities in the world.
iii. Imitates the shapes of objects or actions when being articulated.
iv. Is expressed only using hands gestures without considerations of any conventions or agreed patterns.
v. Has limitations in vocabulary as compared to the spoken languages of the communities.
vi. Have never existed earlier in people’s lifetime and was introduced by hearing people.
vii. Is very difficult to be acquired or learned, and used effectively in communication.
viii. Is used by only deaf people.
Activity Two
Similarities between spoken language and sign language

Both spoken languages and sign languages are;
i. Used by groups of people
ii. Have syntactic, semantic, morphological, and phonological levels of analysis
iii. Are all used to accomplish communicative functions
iv. Exhibit a significant amount of iconicity in the words/signs they use
v. Comparing the “auditory-vocal mode” of spoken languages to the “visual-gestural modality” of signed
languages, studies revealed that both spoken and sign languages have some ranges of iconicity
Activity Three
Please, share your note for Activity Three with your course mates and with your facilitator, too.
Activity Four
1. Broadly speaking, communication is the act or process of using words, sounds, signs, or behaviours to
express or exchange; information, ideas, thoughts, feelings, etc., to someone else. It is a two-way process
which involve use of the following elements; a sender, a message, a medium, a channel, a receiver, a
response and feedback. Communication requires cooperation and understanding between the two or
more people that are involved.
2. Sign language, on the other hand is a visual-gestural system/media of communication that
simultaneously use both manual features/signals and non–manual features/signals to convey meaningful
information/message. There is diversity in sign languages, for instance we have Ugandan Sign Language
(UgSL) used by the deaf community in Uganda. There are also other sign languages like; Kenyan Sign
Language, Tanzanian Sign Language, and Rwandan Sign Language among others. All these are used by
the respective deaf communities of those countries. This module will have more biased on UgSL.
However, all that we shall discuss may as well be applicable to the other sign languages across the
world. There is so far no universal sign language, but as research studies and further interaction among
deaf communities in the world are taking place, with hope, a universal sign language will be developed.
Activity Five
Please, discuss your findings for Activity Five with your course mate and as well as with your facilitator. Thank
you.
Activity Six
Please, discuss your findings for Activity Six with your course mates and as well as your facilitator. Explore
more about these features from other related sources of information. Thank you.
Activity Seven
Please, discuss your findings for Activity Seven with your course mates and as well as with your facilitator.
Activity Eight
Please, discuss your findings for Activity Eight with your course mates and as well as with your facilitator.
Activity Nine
Please, share your findings for Activity Nine with your course mates and as well as with your facilitator. And
ensure that you have practiced signing those signs you have given, in various contexts.
Activity Ten
Please, compare and discuss your responses for Activity Ten with your course mates. Seek further clarification
from your facilitator as may be appropriate.
Activity Eleven
Please, share your findings for Activity Eleven with your course mates and with your facilitator, too.
Activity Twelve
Please, share your findings for Activity Twelve with your course mates and with your facilitator, too.
Activity Thirteen
Please, share your findings for Activity Thirteen with your course mates and with your facilitator, too.
Activity Fourteen
Please, share your findings for Activity Fourteen with your course mates and with your facilitator, too.
Activity Fifteen
Please, share your findings for Activity Fifteen with your course mates and with your facilitator, too.
Activity Sixteen
Please, compare your response for Activity Sixteen with any of your course mates, and seek for further
clarification from your facilitator.
Activity Seventeen
Please, compare your response for Activity Seventeen with any of your course mates, and seek for further
clarification from your facilitator.
Activity Eighteen
Please, practice the greeting in pares. Guide and correct your colleague as may be appropriate.
Activity Nineteen
Please, share your findings for Activity Nineteen with your colleague and guide each other as may be
appropriate.
Activity Twenty
Please, share your findings for Activity Twenty with your colleague and seek for guidance as may be
appropriate.

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KYAMBOGO UNIVERSITY

TEACHER EDUCATION SELF–STUDY MODULE FOR BACHELOR OF

NSE 3152.1: UGANDAN SIGN LANGUAGE PRACTICAL

NSE 3152.1 – UGANDAN SIGN LANGUAGE PRACTICAL

Mr. Orech Emmy Hendrain

Design / Production Team

© All Rights Reserved

Kyambogo University administration is indebted to the Authors and Publishers of

Orientation to Unit One ....................................................................................................... 3

Orientation to Unit One ..................................................................................................... 13

Orientation to Unit Three .................................................................................................. 27

Orientation to Unit Four .................................................................................................... 42

Articulate: To speak, utter or express oneself with clarity or fluency.

Objectives of the Module

Units Covered in the Module

This module covers … (…) units as indicated:

General Overview about Sign Languages

Aim of Unit One

Objectives of Unit One

The objectives of this unit are to enable you;

i. Discuss the communities’ perceptions about sign language.

Topics Covered in Unit One

The topics covered in Unit One are:

Topic One: Myths about sign language.

Topic Two: Similarities between spoken languages and signed languages.

Thank you for your attempt

Realities about sign languages

(b) Translate the following UgSL sentences in English

Basis for learning and teaching UgSL

Summary of Unit One

Basic Information Regarding Ugandan Sign Language

Aim of Unit Two

Objectives of Unit Two

The objectives of this unit are to enable you;

i. Explain the concept communication in relation to the Ugandan Sign Language.

Topics Covered in Unit One

The topics covered in Unit One are:

Topic One: Communication in Ugandan Sign Language

Topic Two: Types of signs used in Ugandan Sign Language

Topic Four: Use of non-manual features in Ugandan Sign Language

Topic Five: Formation of signs in Ugandan Sign Language

Thank you for your attempt

Parameters of Ugandan Sign Language

Aim of Unit Three

Objectives of Unit Three

The objectives of this unit are to enable you;

i. Distinguish among the parameters of Ugandan Sign Language

Topics Covered in Unit Three

The topics covered in Unit Three are:

Topic One: Parameters of Ugandan Sign Language

Topic Two: Handshape as a Parameter of Ugandan Sign Language

Topic Three: Orientation as a Parameter of Ugandan Sign Language

Topic Four: Movement as a Parameter of Ugandan Sign Language

Topic Five: Location as a Parameter of Ugandan Sign Language

Topic Six: Facial Expression as a Parameter of Ugandan Sign Language

Thank you for your attempt

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