L’Chaim Learning: Fascinating Discoveries of Israeli Deaf Lives, Multi-Cultures, and Signed Languages

Lecturer: Sara Lanesman, Ph.D. student in Sociolinguistics and Sign Linguistics and a lecturer for Interpreter Training Program at Bar Ilan University.

Lecture description: In this lecture, Sara Lanesman will explore the rich diversities of Israeli Deaf culture, including the fascinating stories of Deaf Olim (immigrants) from Germany, Algeria, and other countries. She will delve into the origins of Israeli Sign Language, which is heavily influenced by German Sign Language and discuss other signed languages seen in Israel, such as Al-Sayyid Bedouin Sign Language.

Sara will also explore the interesting question of what happens to the origin of sign language when Deaf Olim marries Deaf Israeli people. She will examine the unique features of Israeli Sign Language and Israeli Deaf culture, highlighting the social and cultural significance of the language.