Language and Communication
Language is more than words; it is belonging. Without it, self-expression becomes a struggle and identity feels incomplete. For centuries, many South Africans were denied their full voice. Until July 2023, South African Sign Language (SASL) was not officially recognised as one of the country’s languages. That delay sent a silent but powerful message to the Deaf community: your way of speaking is not yet equal to ours.
Similarly, communication barriers extend beyond disability. Poverty trauma itself shapes how people listen and respond. If one grows up in an environment where respect is often linked to survival, where silence or aggression are the only responses taught, then misunderstanding is almost inevitable. Four common barriers emerge:
Language barriers – when people literally do not share the same words.
Cultural barriers – when values and customs clash.
Psychological barriers – when fear, shame, or trauma distort what is heard.
Perceptual barriers – when assumptions block true listening.
The result is exclusion. People feel unheard, disrespected, or silenced. And when expression is suppressed, frustration often translates into anger or withdrawal.
But there is another possibility. Every time a society invests in inclusive language — through sign language recognition, multilingual education, or simply patient listening — it says: your voice matters. That single message can change how children grow, how carers support, and how communities heal.
🌱 When language becomes a bridge instead of a barrier, it builds a culture of belonging where silence is no longer isolation, but shared strength.