Abstract

Background

• The Hong Kong Sign Language (HKSL) curriculum so far developed and the multimedia resources produced therein by the HKSL course instructors since 2008 have failed to satisfy the ever expanding HKSL programme under the Modern Languages section of The Department of Linguistics and Modern Languages.
• The situation has become quite critical when a new set of expectations have been laid down by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), so our team has redesigned the e-learning platform and developed a set of structured self-learning activities to support informal learning and to reach the expected outcomes as stipulated by CEFR under an existing project “Revamping the Curriculum of HKSL I and II based on the Guidelines of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)”
• Teachers and students provided positive feedback for the revamping of HKSL I and II. The successful practice will be furthered for HKSL III and IV to support a higher level learning of the Hong Kong Sign Language, in which students’ signing skills and comprehension skills will be further developed.

1. Producing 32 video recordings in HKSL the contents of which include signed conversations, narratives, news announcements, etc. with a diverse range of contents. These materials will be further processed to support the development of sign comprehension skills, which is claimed to be very challenging especially to hearing learners.
2. Developing text-based materials or animations to supplement the present video-based materials designed to teach HKSL grammar and Deaf culture.
3. Enhancing the interface of the e-learning platform to support students’ self-learning of HKSL.

1. Develop the content for 32 new video recordings for HKSL III and IV tailored for Bl & B2 levels under the CEFR; and
2. Recruit Deaf HKSL users from the community to take part in the production of the video materials in order to acquaint students with the various signing styles of HKSL users.