New Turkish sign language dictionary launched

The Family and Social Policies Ministry has introduced Turkey's first sign language grammar book and dictionary. Previously, there was no official scientific resource on Turkish sign language. To rectify this, the ministry undertook the project in 2014 in 26 cities to prepare the dictionary. The book features almost 800,000 words illustrated with sign language along with grammar resources. Speaking at the launch event, Family and Social Policies Minister Sema Ramazanoğlu said 16 percent of disabled people have a hearing impairment. She said the project drew from other scientific studies on Turkish sign language as well. The grammar book will be translated into English next year.