What did you eat yesterday? SgSL evolved organically within the Deaf community and is “ a unique reflection of Singapore’s national heritage and multilingual culture ”, says Lye. SgSL has roots in Shanghainese Sign Language (SSL), which was taught in Singapore’s first school for the deaf, the Singapore Chinese Sign School for the Deaf in the 1950s, alongside written Chinese, which was the other language of instruction of the school. Peng Tsu Ying, one of the school’s founders, taught the techniques and the sign language he had learnt while growing up in Shanghai. In the 1970s, Lim Chin Heng, a former student of Peng’s who studied in America, brought back American Sign Language (ASL) to the local Deaf community, as well as Signing Exact English, which is not a language in itself, but a manual code that represents English grammar visually. With the help of four Deaf Singaporeans – Andrew Tay, Shariffah Faaiqah, Amirul Afiq and Lisa Loh – we’ll discover how these varied influences have shaped their language and how some of these signs have changed over time. Here’s one example of how signs have evolved. These are the two different signs for “10 dollars” – one is an older variant, the other is a newer one. According to Andrew, older signers who are Chinese-educated would use this variation. The sign originates from SSL. It comprises two parts: the sign for the word “red” , and a visual representation of the Chinese character for 10 (十) . Faaiqah, who is younger , uses a different sign most likely influenced by ASL. She does it by signing “money” first, followed by the sign for “10” . Some local signs have also changed over the years. Here’s an example. These are the two signs for “Singapore” . Lisa says that people of the older generation who are Chinese-educated use this sign, which has its roots in SSL. The sign involves tapping the tip of the thumb against the tip of the index finger. It is meant to symbolise the stars on the Singapore flag . Afiq, however, uses this newer variation , which is now widely used in Singapore. It is based on the sign for “island” , but using the closed-fist hand shape for the letter “S”, for Singapore, instead of the “I” for “island”. These are called initialised signs and are influenced by ASL. A big part of what makes SgSL unique is its use of local signs and colloquial expressions . This was how Andrew noticed that Deaf Singaporeans were using their own unique variety of sign language in the 2000s. He eventually named it “Singapore Sign Language”. I thought it was essential to coin the name for our sign language, SgSL. Prior to that, there wasn’t a name for it. Other countries had a name for their own sign languages, as with ASL and British Sign Language, but we had nothing like that. I felt it was essential to coin a name for our own sign language. Just as Deaf Singaporeans use the local sign for “Singapore”, many other local signs are widely used across the community. These include signs for local food and landmarks, as well as Singlish signs , says Phoebe Tay, adding that these reflect the Singaporean Deaf identity. Rainbow kueh lapis The sign consists of two parts – first, the sign for “colourful”, and second, the action of peeling the layers that the snack is well known for. Jewel Changi Airport This is made up of the sign for the letter “J” for Jewel, and a gesture meant to symbolise the iconic indoor waterfall in the middle of the mall. Teh tarik The sign is reminiscent of how this local drink is made – by pouring the drink back and forth between containers. Alamak This sign expresses shock or dismay, mirroring the meaning of the Singlish word. Kaypoh The sign combines the letters “K” and “P” in the Singlish word “kaypoh”. Both letters have the same hand shape but in a different orientation, and the change from one to another creates the sign. SgSL is deeply intertwined with the identity of Deaf Singaporeans . After giving SgSL its name, Andrew felt that there was a shift in how he perceived his identity as a Deaf Singaporean. Before SgSL was more formally established, I felt lost, and uncertain of who I was. With SgSL, I am confident in knowing what makes me who I am. And there’s that link between my Deaf identity and the Deaf culture I’m a part of. In a speaking-dominated world, it’s unclear what exactly that culture is. When SgSL was established, I felt pride in knowing what represents our Deaf identity, and I felt confident in knowing what makes Deaf culture. Lye explains that SgSL embodies the identity of the Deaf community here. “It allows Deaf individuals to express themselves fully in a language that resonates with their personal experiences and the societal and even emotional context they live in,” he adds. Similarly, Lisa, Faaiqah and Afiq view SgSL as unique to Deaf Singaporeans precisely because it reflects their shared identity and the community’s way of communicating within it. What makes SgSL unique really are the different variants that encompass it. SgSL is influenced by Pidgin Signed English, ASL and SSL, becoming a unique language that we understand. Besides these, what makes SgSL unique is the incorporation of locally developed signs. With SgSL, communication is easy. It’s unique to Singapore, and something that is ours. SgSL creates more opportunities for the Deaf community as it allows complete access to information. SgSL also builds a sense of identity as a cultural component unique to our own Deaf community. That is the significance of SgSL. SgSL represents the language, identity and culture of the Singaporean Deaf community. How do we ensure the future of SgSL? Proliferation and preservation. SgSL is gaining interest outside the Deaf community. Andrew, who works as a private-hire driver, occasionally picks up passengers who sign to him in SgSL. The majority of such passengers have taken lessons from SADeaf. Lye says SADeaf has seen an increase in sign-ups for its SgSL classes over the past three years. He adds that people sign up for a variety of reasons, such as exploring a new language and culture, or to better communicate with a friend or family member who is deaf. There are ongoing efforts to document and preserve the language for future generations – one of them is the SgSL Sign Bank , created through a partnership between SADeaf and Nanyang Technological University (NTU). Lye says the sign bank provides “a comprehensive record of signs used within the Deaf community”. As at September 2024, there are 749 documented signs, and SADeaf will continue to work with the Deaf community to document more. A free e-book on SgSL is another collaboration between SADeaf and NTU to document signs, and also to encourage readers to learn more about SgSL users and their unique experiences. And in Andrew’s case, SgSL is more than just a language he uses – it gave him a community that he could finally call his own. In the past, no one in my family signed. Everyone would be speaking, having conversations, and I would be left in the dark. There wasn’t communication, and I couldn’t be kept in the loop of what was happening. It was that sense of: “Who am I actually?” My family members used speech to communicate, but I was unlike them. I was clueless about what was happening within my family and in my environment, growing up. With SgSL, we have communication. A door opens for us, and we are able to find out more about the world, and what’s really out there.In conclusion, Liu Yang's resignation from his position as a financial accounting teacher at Huaqing University is a bittersweet moment for the university community. While his departure is undoubtedly a loss, it also serves as a reminder of the transient nature of life and the importance of taking care of one's personal well-being. As Liu Yang embarks on a new chapter in his life, we wish him all the best in his future endeavors and express our gratitude for his contributions to the field of financial accounting education.
Sustainability: This word has gained profound significance in the 21st century. Over the last 100 years, the world’s population has quadrupled, bringing challenges such as water shortages, climate change and deforestation. Moreover, we are consuming more food and natural resources and producing more carbon emissions than ever. We call the rainforests of South America the lungs of our planet and advocate for their preservation. Yet, wood is also an integral part of our daily lives. It is the raw material for our chairs and tables, covers our floors, frames our doors, keeps us warm and supports our beds. Even the paper we write on is made from wood. The examples are endless. We need wood – there’s no doubt about it. South America is a continent where we have yet to realize our full potential for collaboration. While the region's countries grappled with democracy and crime issues during the last century, many have built stable economies with sustainable growth in recent decades. With a population of 700 million and rising per capita income, these nations are becoming increasingly attractive consumer markets. The forestry industry is a cornerstone of South American economies, particularly Argentina and Paraguay. Argentina boasts over 1.5 million hectares of forest plantations, projected to rise to 3.5 million in the coming years. Similarly, Paraguay has identified 20 million hectares of land suitable for forestry, offering low taxes and financial incentives to encourage investment. Over the past 20 years, both countries have implemented deforestation laws to manage their natural resources sustainably. Their unique ecosystems make wood production more efficient than in many other parts of the world. The favorable climate and vast pampas of South America yield high-quality wood certified for international markets. In Argentina’s Corrientes and Misiones provinces, oak and pine trees that take 30-40 years to mature in Eastern Europe are harvest-ready in just nine-12 years. Similarly, industrial eucalyptus in Paraguay is 30%-35% more efficient than in Indonesia, a global leader in eucalyptus production. While South America’s forestry industry holds immense potential, it often lacks advanced production techniques, large-scale investments and cutting-edge technology. Countries like Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay possess a capable labor force but require more educated and experienced professionals to optimize their operations. Although the industry has a history, many local companies have not established the international connections necessary for global integration. In contrast, Türkiye has extensive expertise in the forestry sector. Thanks to our geopolitical advantages and robust trade relationships with the European Union and the Middle Eastern and Asian countries, Turkish forestry companies have forged long-lasting ties worldwide. Turkish wood and forestry firms have become international players, exporting products to over 100 countries and employing tens of thousands globally. These companies have made significant contributions from wooden flooring and doors to furniture and paper. However, Latin America remains an untapped region. With increasing global demand for sustainable wood and stringent deforestation regulations in Argentina and Paraguay, now is the time for Turkish companies to explore collaboration opportunities. Leveraging the ecosystems we’ve built in leading sectors like technology, machinery, logistics and construction, Türkiye now boasts two of the world’s top forestry companies. The governments of Argentina and Paraguay have enacted “Zero Deforestation Laws” to regulate land use and protect forests. These laws also present social opportunities, such as training indigenous communities in forestry management. Partnerships in this area can create jobs and stimulate local economies. With their global expertise, Turkish companies can contribute significantly to sustainable forestry, fostering a win-win scenario and boosting local employment while expanding Türkiye's international footprint in the industry. With a population of 700 million, Latin America is resource-rich and a vast consumer market. Decades of political stabilization and economic growth have made the continent attractive for investments and partnerships. Moreover, governments and industry leaders in Argentina and Paraguay are eager to collaborate and share their knowledge, land and resources. Turkish forestry companies are ideally positioned to expand their influence in this market. Working together can shape a future where sustainable forestry meets growing global demand. The benefits extend beyond resource extraction to include technological exchange, job creation and innovations in sustainability. Collaboration between Turkish and South American companies will bring mutual benefits regarding raw material quality, cost sharing, knowledge transfer, technology exchange and market expansion. It’s time to uncover the world’s hidden treasures and embrace future opportunities.Amazon Web Services will invest another $10 billion to bolster its data center infrastructure in Ohio. The company and Republican Gov. Mike DeWine announced the plan Monday. The new investment will boost the amount it has committed to spending in Ohio by the end of 2029 to more than $23 billion. AWS launched its first data centers in the state in 2016 and currently operates campuses in two counties in central Ohio, home to the capital city of Columbus . The new investment will allow AWS to expand its data centers to new sites, but the company said those locations have not been determined yet and noted that its investment plans are contingent upon the execution of long-term energy service agreements. AWS said the new data centers will contain computer servers, storage drives, networking equipment and other forms of technology infrastructure used to power cloud computing, including artificial intelligence and machine learning. In June 2023, AWS said it would invest $7.8 billion by the end of 2029 to expand its data center operations in central Ohio. That was on top of $6 billion already invested through 2022.As the discussion on affordable and effective toothache treatment continues to evolve, it is essential for stakeholders in the dental industry, policymakers, and the public to collaborate towards creating a more equitable and accessible dental care system for all. By addressing the root causes of pricing discrepancies and promoting transparency in treatment options, we can strive towards ensuring that everyone has access to quality dental care when faced with the discomfort of a toothache.
In the end, the consensus among witnesses was one of relief and gratitude that no one had been harmed in the incident. As the waves gently washed against the shore where the drone had crashed, onlookers could only marvel at the beauty and unpredictability of art in all its forms.BorgWarner: Undervalued, But Not As Undervalued As You Might Think
For over two decades, a man's addiction to chewing betel nuts has tragically transformed him into a disfigured individual, bringing to light the destructive consequences of long-standing bad habits. The man's story serves as a stark reminder of the perils of addiction and the irreversible damage it can inflict upon one's life.
In the world of stand-up comedy, it is not uncommon for comedians to touch on social issues and shed light on important topics such as women's safety. However, what started as a lighthearted discussion on empowering women and promoting safety took a chilling turn when the comedian, let's call him Tom, unexpectedly wove a tale about the terrifying Snail Lady.In conclusion, the tech landscape is constantly evolving, with new developments and challenges shaping the industry. The Market Regulation Bureau's investigation into NVIDIA, the debunking of false rumors regarding vehicle inspections, and Xiaomi's entry into the automotive market all underscore the dynamic nature of technology and business. As we navigate these changes, it is crucial to stay informed, fact-check information, and embrace innovation to drive progress and growth in the tech sector.No. 5 UCLA stuns No. South Carolina, ends 43-game streakOn the other side of the spectrum, Tottenham Hotspur finds themselves in a different situation as they continue to support their manager, Mauricio Pochettino. Despite a challenging start to the season and a string of disappointing results, the club's hierarchy has reiterated their confidence in Pochettino's ability to turn things around. As speculation grows over Pochettino's future at the club, Tottenham remains steadfast in their belief that he is the right man to lead the team forward.
Rodney McAree says Storm Darragh put clubs and officials in an impossible situation Dungannon Swifts manager Rodney McAree says last weekend’s fixture wipeout in the Sports Direct Premiership will not be the last, insisting lessons must be learned. But he accepted the powers-that-be were put in a situation where they would be damned if they do and damned if they don’t in terms of calling games off.2025 Mazda 2 and CX-3 score safety and tech boost
No. 5 UCLA stuns No. South Carolina, ends 43-game streak
“Wicked”; “Anora”; “Emilia Perez”; “Challengers”; “A Real Pain”; “The Substance” “The Brutalist”; “A Complete Unknown,”; “Conclave”; “Dune: Part Two”; “Nickel Boys;” “September 5” Jesse Eisenberg, “A Real Pain”; Hugh Grant, “Heretic”; Gabriel LaBelle, “Saturday Night; Jesse Plemons, “Kinds of Kindness”’ Glen Powell, “Hitman”; Sebastian Stan, “A Different Man” Amy Adams, “Nightbitch”; Cynthia Erivo, “Wicked”; Karla Sofia Gascón, “Emilia Pérez”; Mikey Madison “Anora”; Demi Moore, “The Substance”; Zendaya, “Challengers” Pamela Anderson, “The Last Showgirl′′; Angelina Jolie, ”Maria”; Nicole Kidman, “Babygirl”; Tilda Swinton, “The Room Next Door”; Fernanda Torres, “I’m Still Here”; Kate Winslet, “Lee” Adrien Brody, “The Brutalist”; Timothée Chalamet, “A Complete Unknown’; Colman Domingo, “Sing Sing”; Ralph Fiennes, “Conclave”; Sebastian Stan, “The Apprentice’’ “Alien: Romulus”; Beetlejuice Beetlejuice”; Deadpool & Wolverine”; “Gladiator II”; “Inside Out 2”; “Twisters”; “Wicked”; “The Wild Robot” “All We Imagine As Light′′; ”Emilia Pérez”; “The Girl With the Needle”; “I’m Still Here”; “The Seed of the Sacred Fig”; “Vermiglio” “Flow”; “Inside Out 2”; “Memoir of a Snail”; “Moana 2”; “Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl”; “The Wild Robot” Selena Gomez, ”Emilia Pérez”; Ariana Grande, “Wicked”; Felicity Jones, “The Brutalist”; Margaret Qualley, “The Substance”; Isabella Rossellini, “Conclave”; Zoe Saldaña, ”Emilia Pérez” Yura Borisov, “Anora”; Kieran Culkin, “A Real Pain”; Edward Norton, “A Complete Unknown”; Guy Pearce, “The Brutalist”; Jeremy Strong, ”The Apprentice”; Denzel Washington, “Gladiator II” Jacques Audiard, “Emilia Pérez”; Sean Baker, ”Anora”; Edward Berger, “Conclave”; Brady Corbet, “The Brutalist”; Coralie Fargeat, “The Substance”; Payal Kapadia, “All We Imagine As Light” Jacques Audiard, “Emilia Pérez”; Sean Baker, ”Anora”; Brady Corbet, Mona Fastvold, “The Brutalist”; Jesse Eisenberg, “A Real Pain”; Coralie Fargeat, “The Substance”; Peter Straughan, “Conclave” Volker Bertelmann, “Conclave”; Daniel Blumberg, “The Brutalist”; Kris Bowers, “The Wild Robot”; Clement Ducol, Camille “Emilia Pérez”; Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross, “Challengers”; Hans Zimmer, “Dune: Part Two” “Beautiful That Way” from “The Last Showgirl” (music/lyrics by Andrew Wyatt, Miley Cyrus, Lykke Zachrisson); “Compress/Repress” from “Challengers’ (music/lyrics by Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross, Luca Guadagnino; “El Mal” from EL MAL” from “Emilia Pérez” (music/lyrics by Clément Ducol, Camille, Jacques Audiard; “Forbidden Road” from ”Better Man′′ (music/lyrics by Robbie Williams, Freddy Wexler, Sacha Skarbek); “Kiss the Sky” from “The Wild Robot′′ (music/lyrics by Delacey, Jordan K. Johnson, Stefan Johnson, Maren Morris, Michael Pollack, Ali Tamposi); ”Mi Camino′′ from “Emilia Pérez” (music/lyrics by Clément Ducol, Camille) “Shogun”; “The Diplomat”; “Slow Horses”; “Mr. and Mrs. Smith”; “The Day of the Jackal”; “Squid Game” “Abbott Elementary”; “The Bear; “Hacks”; “Nobody Wants This”; “Only Murders in the Building”; “The Gentlemen” Donald Glover, “Mr. and Mrs. Smith”; Jake Gyllenhaal, “Presumed Innocent”; Gary Oldman, “Slow Horses”; Eddie Redmayne, “The Day of the Jackal”; Hiroyuki Sanada, “Shogun”; Billy Bob Thornton, “Landman” Kathy Bates, “Matlock”; Emma D’Arcy, “House of the Dragon”; Maya Erskine, “Mr. & Mrs. Smith”; Keira Knightley, “Black Doves”; Keri Russell, “The Diplomat”; Anna Sawai, “Shogun” Kristen Bell, “Nobody Wants This”; Quinta Brunson, “Abbott Elementary”; Ayo Edebiri, “The Bear”; Selena Gomez, “Only Murders in the Building”; Kathryn Hahn, “Agatha All Along”; Jean Smart, “Hacks” Adam Brody, “Nobody Wants This”; Ted Danson, “A Man on the Inside”; Steve Martin, “Only Murders in the Building”; Jason Segel, “Shrinking”; Martin Short, “Only Murders in the Building”; Jeremy All White, “The Bear” “Baby Reindeer”; Disclaimer"; “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story”; “The Penguin”; “Ripley”; “True Detective: Night Country” Cate Blanchett, “Disclaimer''; Jodie Foster, ”True Detective: Night Country"; Cristin Milioti, “The Penguin''; Sofia Vergara, ”Griselda"; Naomi Watts, “Feud: Capote vs. The Swans”; Kate Winslet, “The Regime” Colin Farrell, “The Penguin”; Richard Gadd, “Baby Reindeer”; Kevin Kline, “Disclaimer”; Cooper Koch, “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story”; Ewan McGregor, “A Gentleman in Moscow”; Andrew Scott, “Ripley” Liza Colón-Zayas, “The Bear”; Hannah Einbinder, “Hacks”; Dakota Fanning, “Ripley”; Jessica Gunning, “Baby Reindeer”; Allison Janney, “The Diplomat”; Kali Reis, “True Detective: Night Country” Tadanobu Asano, “Shogun''; Javier Bardem, “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story”; Harrison Ford, “Shrinking”; Jack Lowden “Slow Horses”; Diego Luna, “La Maquina”; Ebon Moss-Bachrach, “The Bear” Jamie Foxx, “Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was”; Nikki Glaser, “Nikki Glaser: Someday You'll Die”; Seth Meyers, “Seth Meyers: Dad Man Walking”; Adam Sandler, "Adam Sandler: Love You"; Ali Wong, “Ali Wong: Single Lady”; Ramy Youssef, “Ramy Youssef: More Feelings” Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!Furthermore, Xiaohua's declaration sheds light on the multifaceted nature of relationships and the diverse ways in which people express their affections and allegiances. Whether it be through shared interests, role models, or playful teasing, individuals navigate the complexities of personal connections in their own unique and endearing ways.
In conclusion, the new policies and initiatives implemented by the government have ignited the real estate market in Guizhou, creating opportunities for both homebuyers and property developers. With demand for housing upgrades on the rise and affordable housing options becoming more accessible, Guiyang is set to witness continued growth and development in its real estate sector.
Atalanta's success in recent years can be attributed to their unique playing style, which combines relentless attacking prowess with solid defensive organization. Under the guidance of head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, the team has developed into one of the most exciting and dynamic teams in Italian football. Their high-pressing, high-scoring approach has not only endeared them to fans but has also brought them success on the field.Si-TPV silicone-based thermoplastic elastomers: a revolution in children's bouncy castle materials