A Significant Number of Hearing-Impaired Individuals Learn Sign Language Only After Age 7

National Institute of Korean Language Announces Results of 'Korean Sign Language Usage Survey'
Mostly Learned from Friends and Seniors... Urgent Need for Educational Improvement

A significant number of hearing-impaired individuals are exposed to or learn Korean Sign Language (KSL) only after the age of 7. Since many of them learn from friends or seniors and juniors rather than formal instructors, improvements in the educational environment are needed.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The National Institute of the Korean Language announced the results of the "Korean Sign Language Usage Survey" in commemoration of the "Day of the Deaf" (3rd). The data is based on research and analysis of the usage and perception of KSL among 500 hearing-impaired individuals aged 20 or older with severe disabilities. The survey was conducted using KSL video content, with participation from KSL interpreters and deaf investigators.

According to the survey, 30.1% of respondents primarily use KSL as their main communication method. By age group, those in their 40s had the highest rate at 69.9%, followed by those in their 30s (60.7%) and 50s (55.3%).

The age at which they first encountered or learned KSL was mainly between 7 and 12 years old, corresponding to elementary school age (41.3%). In contrast, only 13.2% reported first exposure at age 6 or younger. The most common age for first learning KSL was also 7 to 12 years old (44.0%), followed by 13 to 19 years old (17.5%) and 20 to 29 years old (14.3%).

The National Institute of the Korean Language noted, "It is important to pay attention to the fact that the age at which hearing-impaired individuals first encounter or learn KSL is later than the age at which hearing people acquire language," adding, "We plan to conduct an in-depth analysis of future surveys."

At the opening ceremony of the 2018 Seoul Disabled Sports for All Games held on the 13th at the auxiliary stadium of Jamsil Sports Complex in Seoul, sign language interpreters are providing interpretation. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

When asked who taught them KSL, 32.4% of respondents pointed to deaf friends. 26.9% cited teachers at schools for the deaf, and 15.6% mentioned seniors or juniors at such schools. In contrast, only 4.5% said they learned from KSL instructors.

Respondents also agreed on the need for KSL interpretation services at medical and public institutions. Among those who primarily communicate using KSL, 83.0% (multiple responses allowed) identified medical institutions as the area where KSL interpretation is most needed. Even among those who do not primarily use KSL, 71.2% saw a need for KSL interpretation at medical institutions. There were also significant calls for KSL interpretation services in public institution use (62.9%) and legal services (24.1%).