A breakthrough in Croatian sign language learning

by croatiaweek
September 28, 2024
in News

by Zoran Rajn

Moja Prva Znakovnica is the first video dictionary of Croatian Sign Language (HZJ), designed to help hearing parents of deaf children and anyone interested in learning the language. We spoke with Dorijana Kavčić, a key figure behind the project, to learn more about this initiative and its importance.

Dorijana, who has been a Croatian Sign Language interpreter for over 12 years, grew up in the Deaf community and is passionate about bridging the communication gap between the hearing and Deaf. A linguistics PhD student, she is also involved in teaching and organizing educational programs for interpreters.

Her work with the Croatian Association of Sign Language Interpreters has focused on raising awareness about HZJ and advocating for the rights of the Deaf community.

The idea for Moja Prva Znakovnica came from a clear need for accessible resources in HZJ. Although some sign language courses exist, they are limited in scope and availability, particularly outside larger cities.

Dorijana Kavčić – Moja Prva Znakovnica

By creating an online platform, this dictionary will allow users to look up a word in Croatian and see a video demonstration of the corresponding sign, complete with related phrases and expressions.

To bring this vision to life, the team has launched a crowdfunding campaign through the Bona Fides Invest global crowdfunding platform. The funds will be used to produce high-quality video content, ensuring each sign is clear and easy to understand. Every gesture, movement, and expression must be captured precisely for effective learning.

The crowdfunding campaign also aims to cover the technical infrastructure needed to host this extensive library of videos and ensure the platform runs smoothly.

Dorijana emphasizes that this project is not just about language—it’s also about culture. Many deaf individuals are often seen only through the lens of disability, while their unique cultural and linguistic contributions are overlooked.

Sign language translator Dorijana Kavčić – Moja Prva Znakovnica

Moja Prva Znakovnica aims to change that by offering insights into Deaf culture alongside language lessons.

The dictionary is expected to feature over 500 terms, with future expansions planned. It’s designed to be free and easy to use, providing a vital resource for parents of deaf children, many of whom struggle to communicate effectively due to a lack of sign language knowledge. Research shows that early exposure to sign language can greatly enhance a child’s development, both linguistically and emotionally.

The crowdfunding campaign is essential for Moja Prva Znakovnica’s success. Dorijana and her team encourage not just financial support, but also spreading awareness about the project on social media.

Logo Croatian Association of Sign Language Translators

The more people learn about the dictionary and Deaf culture, the closer the team gets to their goal of creating a lasting, free resource that connects hearing and Deaf individuals.

For Dorijana and her team, the goal is simple: to make Croatian Sign Language more accessible and to foster a deeper understanding of the Deaf community. Through Moja Prva Znakovnica, they hope to build connections between hearing and Deaf individuals, one sign at a time.