Developing a Thai Sign Language Lexicon Inventory for Management: A Capability Approach to Overcoming Barriers and Promoting Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Entrepreneurship
Keywords:
Thai Sign Language Lexicon, Deaf Entrepreneurship, Capability Approach, Participatory Action Research, Social Model of DisabilityAbstract
A significant gap in professional management vocabulary in Thai Sign Language (TSL) acts as a structural barrier, excluding deaf people in Thailand from economic and entrepreneurial opportunities. This research had three main objectives: 1) to assess needs and synthesize a foundational body of management knowledge crucial for entrepreneurship; 2) to develop a Thai Sign Language management vocabulary lexicon and blended learning materials; and 3) to conduct a preliminary evaluation of the effectiveness of the developed innovation. The study employed a Participatory Action Research (PAR) process, in which the deaf community played a vital role as co -researchers at every stage. Various stakeholder groups participated throughout the research, including 38 key informants for the needs assessment, 21 co-developers for the vocabulary lexicon, and 31 participants for the innovation's trial and evaluation. A key outcome was the creation of a 69-word management sign language lexicon, accompanied by blended learning materials in both e-book and animated formats. The trial results showed that the developed materials showed significant effectiveness in improving the participants' understanding of management concepts. Beyond creating a practical tool, the research's success affirms the practical application of the Capability Approach. The lexicon serves as a "Social Transformation Agent" that expands professional freedom. It also reflects the principles of the Social Model of Disability by concretely focusing on removing socially constructed barriers.
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