Sign Language Linguistic Advisor

Transcription

1 Sign Language Linguistic Advisor General Information Assignment Code: Position Title: Duration: AV0916BT14 Sign Language Linguistic Advisor (APPLICATIONS CLOSE 21st September 2016) 11 months Proposed Start Date: January 2017 Assignment Location: Drukgyel, Paro, Bhutan Assignment Summary This is your opportunity to to work with the Deaf community of Bhutan! Wangsel Institute is looking for a volunteer to support the Bhutanese Sign Language (BSL) Research Team in developing their knowledge around sign language linguistics and increasing their skills in research methodologies, ethics and the documentation of sign language. Wangsel Institute is the only deaf school in Bhutan and the Bhutanese Sign Language (BSL) Research Team is a significant part of the Institute. The Team has been working since 2003 to research and document the national sign language. The BSL Team consists of three deaf adults, with limited educational background and exposure to sign language, and three teachers who have no formal sign language or linguistic qualifications. Therefore, the Team requires support to enhance their knowledge of sign language linguistics. Your role will be focused on supporting the BSL Research Team in their understanding of sign language linguistics and the documentation of Bhutanese Sign Language, assisting the teaching staff to improve the delivery of sign language and deaf studies content at the school, and providing support on Deaf awareness issues within the community and other service providers. Your role will have a positive effect on all staff and students at Wangsel Institute, the broader Deaf community, and the future of deaf education and community development in Bhutan. Host Organisation (HO) Details Name of HO: Wangsel Institute, Drukgyel Central School

2 The Deaf Education Unit (DEU) was established in 2003 and up until 2013 was attached to Drukgyel Lower Secondary School (DLSS). The DEU is Bhutan s only school for children who are deaf. Students at DEU are integrated with the students from DLSS for assemblies, cultural activities, games and sport. In 2014, the DEU became a standalone school, namely Wangsel Institute. In 2016, Wangsel Institute came under the umbrella of Drukgyel Central School (along with DLSS and Drukgyel Higher Secondary School). Wangsel Institute caters to students with a moderate to severe to profound hearing loss. The main mode of communication is through Bhutanese Sign Language. Description of the HO: There are currently 95 students enrolled at the school, spread across twelve classes from preparatory to grade nine (grade ten will be introduced in 2017). The Bhutanese Sign Language (BSL) Research Team is a significant part of Wangsel Institute. The Team is under the management of the Principal (new to the school in 2016) and Vice-Principal (the founding teacher of the DEU). The BSL Research Team has been working since 2003 to research and document the national sign language. There are currently around 2,800 signs formally documented. The BSL Research Team has been receiving support from a Thailand linguistics team since 2003, with visits from the team on two occasions. The Team is in the early stages of researching and documenting a language structure for BSL. There are three Deaf Instructors and two teachers currently working in the BSL Research Team. Please note, the work plan below is indicative only and may change depending on the needs of the Host Organisation or other factors. Assignment Outcomes Increase capacity of the BSL Research Team in sign language linguistics and its documentation Support teaching staff in improving the delivery of sign language and deaf studies content Increase staff capacity to enhance deaf awareness issues within the community and other service providers Volunteer Activities/Deliverables Provide professional development to the BSL Research Team on sign language linguistics Train the BSL Research Team on research methodologies, ethics and the documentation of sign language Assist the Team in documenting additional vocabulary and language structures Assist the BSL Research Team in updating the Bhutanese Sign Language curriculum for all classes (Preparatory to Grade Ten) Provide a professional development program on sign language, deaf studies and deaf culture to all staff at Wangsel Institute Support deaf instructors and teachers in their delivery of family/community sign language classes Support the Wangsel Institute administration in their understanding of deaf awareness issues Assist Wangsel Institute staff in preparing awareness raising activities e.g. during International Week of Deaf People Support relations with other service providers (e.g. Disabled Peoples Organisations and Ministry of Education) in enhancing their understanding of deafness Qualifications and Experience

3 Essential Minimum Qualifications: Degree in Sign Language Linguistics or equivalent Essential Minimum Experience: At least five years of experience working in the field of sign language linguistics or the equivalent Desirables: In-Country Orientation, including an introduction to Bhutanese culture and traditions, security briefing, and meetings with HO supervisors Quarterly official meetings with AVID In-Country Manager, and three-way meetings involving the volunteer, HO and In-Country Manager Australia Bhutan Friendship Association Description of Assignment Location

4 This assignment is based in the Jitsephu village, about 12km outside of Paro. To get to the village travel is required up the main mountain road from Paro, which is, for the most part, well developed. Paro is located approximately 1.5 hours from the capital, Thimphu. The international airport is located in Paro. Paro receives a high amount of tourists due to its proximity to the international airport and its reputation for hiking and trekking trails, and there are a considerable number of shops and a lot of hotels and arts and crafts venues. Local taxis and buses are readily available, however the volunteer might want to consider getting a bicycle for ease of getting around. The Bank of Bhutan and the Bhutan National Bank have branch offices in Paro town. ATMs are available, though not always reliable. Volunteers are able withdraw money from ATMs or from the bank directly. International credit cards are not widely used or advisable to rely on. Fixed line telephones are available and mobile phone coverage is fairly strong. Internet usage and coverage is also fairly good, and does not cost a lot. Food is affordable, however not consistently of high quality. Most food products, including vegetables, are imported from India. Seafood is rarely eaten, and chilli is considered a staple. The country s strong focus on gross national happiness reflects a strong commitment to, and interest in, the humanitarian needs of people and society as a whole. Foreign visitors living in Bhutan are viewed positively and are accepted within the community. Bhutan is a strongly Buddhist society and it is expected that volunteers will respect this. Bhutanese culture is an important element of Bhutanese life. The preservation and promotion of culture is of fundamental importance to Bhutan and a core pillar of gross national happiness. Cultural Tips The currency of Bhutan is the Ngultrum (BTN). Internet banking is not widely available and can only be used to view balances and transfer money between accounts within the Bank of Bhutan Bhutanese people wear their national dress (Gho for men and Kira for women) almost every day, in all offices (strictly in government offices), religious places, schools and functions. Western clothes are preferred outside of work and foreigners are not expected to wear the national dress Bhutan society is very hierarchical. Volunteers will be expected to treat their workplace superiors and important dignitaries respectfully and to refer to them by title, not name Social relations and maintaining relationships form a core part of Bhutanese society. It is important to be polite, diplomatic and patient in your communications, as straightforwardness can be perceived as being rude Mahayana Buddhism is the state religion and Buddhist values the guide daily lives of the Bhutanese. Hinduism is the second largest religion Dzongkha is the national language but several local dialects are also spoken. English is one of the two official working languages and is widely used. English is used in offices and schools Bhutan is a constitutional monarchy. The monarch is a titular head of the state and is widely revered and respected in the country. Central government control extends over the entire country, and most Bhutanese will follow government instruction and leadership closely Accommodation: Assistance with the identification of suitable, secure and affordable accommodation will be provided by the In-Country Management Team and the host organisation. Additional Information Is this Assignment in a Remote Location? Yes No

5 Preparing Your Application It is recommended that you have the following documentation prepared in order to be uploaded/entered into the online application system: - An electronic version of your CV to copy into our online template - Statement against selection criteria Q1. Individually address each assignment outcome and consider what they might involve. In relation to these outcomes, provide evidence of the skills and experience you would bring to the role and the host organisation. (max. 800 words) Q2. Why have you chosen to volunteer at this time within this role and location? (max. 300 words) Q3. Discuss the challenges that you would anticipate adjusting to living in this location and volunteering in this role. Outline the strategies you would use to overcome these. (max. 400 words) - Scanned copy of your PR visa and Medicare card (if applicable)