Deaf's signs of music proclaim Christmas joy

A group of deaf women ‘sing’ for joy about Christ’s birth in sign language writes Ben Tan for the New Straits Times (16/12/11).

THEY might not be able to hear words or music, but a group of deaf women nevertheless "sung" Christmas carols in sign language at the City Square Johor Baru's shopping centre recently.
For the first time in Johor, the group called Celtic Women entertained the deaf community with a unique rendition of Christmas songs.

"The event showed the general public that sign language can be a beautiful language.

"The event was certainly an eye-opener for many people, especially for parents with deaf or mute children," said Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus spiritual director for the deaf community Father Lionel Thomas.

He said that the event was also organised with the help from several volunteers to boost the self-esteem of the deaf community.

The half-hour event started at 4pm. It attracted a large crowd of afternoon shoppers as they saw the women perform.

The group, dressed in beautiful, flowing gowns, "sang" a rendition of five spiritual and inspirational songs.

They were O Holy Night, O Come All Ye Faithful, You Raise Me Up (made popular by Josh Groban), Fields of Gold (made popular by Sting), and the traditional Have Yourself A Merry Christmas.

Thomas, who is adept in sign language himself, was on hand to bring the music alive by having the deaf express the emotion and spiritual meaning of the songs by using facial expressions.

On the event being the first of its kind in Johor, Thomas said the Celtic Women were thrilled to play a part in helping the deaf community see themselves as useful members of society,

He said the women took about a month to prepare for the event, with him leading the group.

Thomas, who has been working closely with the deaf community and conducting mass in sign language, said that he does not see sign language as a a communication barrier for those who are deaf.

"I see it (sign language) as a different language.

"We should take pride in it as it goes beyond race and religion," he said.

He added that he hoped to organise more of such events in future for the benefit of both the deaf and the public.

The Celtic Women will be performing at the Conrad Singapore Hotel in Marina Bay, Singapore, tomorrow at 7.30pm.