Benjamin, Andrew2019-08-272019-08-272016Benjamin, A. (2016). The challenges facing Tanzanian sign language learners: A case of special schools for the deaf. Dodoma: The University of Dodoma.http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12661/1123Dissertation (MA Linguistics)The study intended to examine the challenges facing Tanzanian Sign Language learners. It, specifically, focused on the examination of those challenges which Sign Language learners face while learning their language. It also focused on investigating the causes of challenges facing TSL learners. The study also aimed at finding out possible solutions towards eradication of the challenges. It was guided by the Linguistic Interdependence Theory propounded by Jim Cummins (1981). The study employed a purposive sampling method. The data were gathered through questionnaires, semi-structured interview, lesson observation and documentary review from two special Deaf and Hard of Hearing schools in Dar es Salaam and Dodoma region. The findings of the study revealed that, TSL learners were facing a number of challenges. The language itself was neither taught as a subject to TSL learners nor examined by schools or NECTA. The research also found that, TSL teachers and learners were using the normal curricula which were designed for hearing pupils. The findings revealed further that most of the challenges facing TSL learners were caused by policies, curricula and lack of awareness of hearing community towards Deaf/Hard of Hearing matters including their Sign language. The study, therefore, recommends intensive awareness campaigns for Deaf/Hard of Hearing matters including their TSL for the aim of changing the hearing community’s attitude towards Deaf people. It also encourages the establishment of new special curriculum for the Deaf which would accommodate the teaching of TSL as a subject and use it as a medium of instruction to all Deaf schools and units. It is further recommended that, further researches should be conducted to examine linguistic aspects of the TSL since the TSL is linguistically a comprehensive language like normal spoken languages.enDeafDeaf schoolsSign languageTanzanian sign languageSign language learnersSign language challengesDissertation