The Centre for Sign Linguistics and Deaf Studies at The Chinese University of Hong Kong advances research, education, and community engagement in sign language and Deaf studies. Through our programmes, projects, and resources, we support sign linguistics, Deaf education, and stronger connections between Deaf and hearing communities.
ABOUT US
Sign language research and training at The Chinese University of Hong Kong began in 1993 when Professor James Woodward started his investigation of Hong Kong Sign Language and later collaborated with Professor Gladys Tang on a series of research projects. These early efforts helped establish CUHK as the first academic institution in the Asia-Pacific region to specialise in sign linguistics research and Deaf training.
In November 2003, CUHK established the Centre for Sign Linguistics and Deaf Studies in response to the growth of its research programmes and increased focus on social impact. Since then, CSLDS has become a leading hub for sign linguistics research and training in Asia, supporting postgraduate, undergraduate, and sub-degree education in sign linguistics, sign language teaching, sign interpretation, and Deaf education.
Since its inception, and with various research and Deaf training programmes, the Centre has been very successful in raising awareness of the importance of sign linguistics training and how it positively impacts deaf education. The Centre’s promotion of sign linguistics research and training has led to the creation of a consortium of Asian universities for collaborative efforts to promote sign language research and Deaf training in the Asia-Pacific region, with the ultimate goal of modelling after CUHK in establishing the discipline at Asian universities.
To date, the Centre is recognised as the hub for sign linguistics research and training in Asia. It plays a pivotal role in conducting postgraduate, undergraduate and sub-degree training in sign linguistics, sign language teaching, sign interpretation and deaf education.
The centre's Logo
The Centre’s logo reflects its mission to bridge Deaf and hearing communities through both spoken and sign languages. It highlights sign language as a rich linguistic and cultural resource, and presents Deaf identity as a distinct culture and mode of communication rather than through a deficit lens. The stylised faces and hands symbolise equality, connection, and mutual understanding between Deaf and hearing people, while also representing links among different Deaf communities, sign languages, and cultures.