Rare language fact file: Adamorobe Sign Language
Native to: Adamorobe village, Ghana
Number of native speakers: 35
Spoken by: Adamorobe villagers
Learn some: You can learn how to sign the days of the week with this YouTube video.
Interesting facts:
- Adamorobe has a much higher incidence of deafness than the rest of Ghana. This stands now at roughly 2% of the population (compared to 0.4% in the continent of Africa as a whole), but in the past at a much higher percentage – some sources giving it as high as 25%. Researchers have identified a mutated gene that is responsible for this, which has been passed down through generations.
- The village developed its own sign language, which is completely distinct from the official Ghanaian Sign Language. In order for Adamorobe’s deaf population to be fully integrated into village life, everyone, hearing or deaf, uses Adamorobe Sign Language.
- As with all minority languages, Adamorobe Sign Language is now under threat from more dominant ones. Deaf children in the village are now sent to school at Ghana’s boarding school for the deaf, where they learn the official Ghanaian Sign Language, alongside written English.
The Language Shop provides support in any language you may need, including many of the rarer ones. Please speak to your account manager about your requirements.
May dates for your diary
Calendar snapshots
1st – Beltane, Celtic/Wiccan/Pagan
Beltane is an ancient Celtic festival, welcoming summer and letting the cattle out into the open pastures. Celebrants light bonfires and in rural Ireland, cattle were traditionally led between two fires in order to protect them from disease.
2nd – Eid al Fitr, Islamic
This Eid marks the end of the Muslim Holy Month of Ramadan. The day begins with communal prayer (salat), after which typically follows a lot of feasting and celebration.
6th – Vesak, Buddhist
This is the most important festival of the year for Theravada Buddhists, and honours the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha. It is marked with special services and good deeds, like the release of birds previously held captive.
May dates
| 1st | Beltane (Wicca/Pagan, Northern and Southern hemispheres) |
| 2nd | Twelfth Day of Ridvan (Baha’i) |
| Eid al Fitr (Islam) | |
| Birthday of Guru Arjan Dev (Sikh) | |
| Bank Holiday – England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and ROI | |
| 3rd | Feast of Saints Philip and James (Catholic Christian) |
| Akshaya Tritiya (Hindu, Jain) | |
| World Press Freedom Day | |
| 4th | Yom HaZikaron (Judaism) |
| International Firefighters Day | |
| 5th | Yom Ha’Atzmaut (Judaism) |
| 6th | Vesak (Buddhist) |
| 8th | World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day |
| 12th | International Nurses Day |
| 15th | International Day of Families |
| 17th | International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia |
| 19th | Lag BaOmer (Judaism) |
| Global Accessibility Awareness Day | |
| 21st | World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development |
| 22nd | International Day for Biological Diversity |
| 23rd | Birthday of Guru Amar Das (Sikh) |
| 24th | Declaration of the Báb (Baha’i) |
| 26th | Ascension Day – Christian |
| 29th | Ascension of Baha’u’llah (Baha’i) |
| Yom Yerushalayim (Judaism) | |
| International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers | |
| 31st | Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Catholic Christian) |
| World No Tobacco Day |
Keep up to date with all our latest news here and on social media – we are on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Meet The Team: Omead Hussain, Freelance Interpreter
Every month, we introduce you to one of our team. This month, meet Omead Hussain, one of our freelance interpreters working in English, Arabic and Kurdish.
Tell us about the role you do for TLS
My role is to bridge the communication gap between two or more parties who do not speak the same language. We must be impartial and I cannot favour the client or the other side.
What's been your favourite project at TLS?
The video project I did with Newham Council to improve communication with children and young adults in the social care system. The project produced videos that explain the various social care procedures for children in care, unaccompanied asylum seekers and the parents of children being reviewed by children’s social care services. The videos are in the languages most common in Newham (other than English); Kurdish and Arabic are two of these languages.
What has been your biggest challenge?
Inability to hear the speaker, cultural knowledge and interpreting jokes, humour and sarcasm.
If you didn’t do your current job, what would you like to do?
I wanted to be a civilian pilot or a famous actor.
Tell us something interesting about you.
When I was in Kurdistan/Iraq, I was a head of department and lecturer at a university. I loved my job so much as I like administration and leadership, but unfortunately I did not find an opportunity here in Britain to be a university professor. I love to travel - for both business and leisure. I really enjoy reading and like change, whether in my field of work or my life. I am really interested in football and my favourite team is Liverpool. I like quiet music.
If you could meet someone living or dead who would it be and why?
My Mum and Dad both passed away a long time ago, not a day goes by when I don’t think about something I would like to ask them or tell them. My country did not have good health services so I would've liked to take them to the best specialist doctor, but at the time I couldn't afford to take them abroad to treat them.
What are your ambitions for the rest of the year?
Travel the world, win the lottery, be financially secure, buy a house and apply for a PhD.
Say hello to Omead on The Language Shop’s social media – we are on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Keep up to date with all our latest news here.
April dates for your diary
Calendar snapshots
14th – Vaisakhi, Sikh and Hindu
This date marks the solar new year for both Hindus and Sikhs. It is also important to Sikhs as it commemorates the founding of the religion in 1699 under the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh.
15th – Good Friday, Christian
Good Friday marks the start of the Easter weekend. It marks the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ, the Christian messiah. It is observed with special church services.
18th – Easter Sunday, Christian
Following the crucifixion, Christians believe that Jesus rose again on Easter Sunday, ascending to heaven. This makes Easter one of the most important festivals of the year for Christians and it is marked with special church services, giving gifts and eating special food, especially chocolate.
April dates
| 3rd | Ramadan begins (Islam) |
| 14th | Vaisakhi (Sikh, Hindu) |
| 15th | Good Friday |
| 15th - 23rd | Passover - begins sunset of Friday, ends nightfall of Saturday; no work permitted 15-16 and 22-23. Work permitted on 17-21 with certain restrictions. (Judaism) |
| 17th | Easter Sunday (Christian) |
| 18th | Easter Monday (Christian) |
| 20th - 24th | National Stalking Awareness Week |
| 21st | First day of Ridván (Bahá’í) |
| 23rd | St George's Day |
| 25th - 1st | Lesbian Visibility Week |
| 29th | Ninth Day of Ridván (Bahá’í) |
| 29th | Laylat al-Qadr (Islam) |
Are you celebrating any festivals this month? Please get in touch and tell us all about it! Email nicole.kershaw@newham.gov.uk.
Keep up to date with all our latest news here and on social media – we are on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Meet The Team: Stephanie Bright, Resource and Compliance Manager
Every month, we introduce you to one of our team. This month, meet Stephanie Bright, The Language Shop's Resource and Compliance Manager.
Tell us about what you do for TLS
I am responsible for all recruitment, engagement and associated compliance that has to be considered when recruiting into The Language Shop. Additionally, I am here to support internal teams, employees and our freelance interpreters who do amazing work, day in and day out.
What’s been your favourite project at TLS?
Because my role is so varied it's difficult to pinpoint one specific project. My projects can be recruiting freelance interpreters, enhancing internal teams, conducting feedback reviews or helping out in a team if they are short staffed. This is what I love: each day is different but completely people-focused, which is embedded within TLS.
What’s been the biggest challenge?
External influences can impact my role and responsibilities quite quickly so it is important to stay ahead as much as possible and to be aware of such factors all the time.
If you didn’t do your current job, what would you like to do?
I always wanted to be a nurse. It would have to be a role where I could make a difference like I do in my current role with TLS.
Tell us something interesting about you
I am a mum to a 10 year old boy and in my spare time enjoy the outdoors.
If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would it be and why?
My grandma, unfortunately she never met my son, so would love that and to also enjoy her Yorkshire puddings again. She made them like pancakes and they were the best!
What are your ambitions for 2022?
To continue being a valued asset and team member to TLS. As the business grows, I am constantly learning new skills and experiences.
Say hello to Stephanie on The Language Shop’s social media – we are on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Keep up to date with all our latest news here.
March dates for your diary
Calendar snapshots
1st – Shrove Tuesday, Christian
Shrove Tuesday marks the last day before Christians’ 40 day fast for Lent. In the UK, we traditionally eat pancakes. In other countries, Mardi Gras (literally Fat Tuesday) is celebrated with street carnivals, music and excess.
14th – Nanakshahi, Sikh
The Nanakshahi calendar was only introduced in 2003, to fix most Sikh celebrations rather than have them change date each year. The calendar is named after Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism.
18th – Holi, Hindu
Holi is a lively Indian celebration that involves throwing coloured powder paint and water at each other. It is often celebrated on the full moon before the beginning of the Vernal Equinox, as per the Hindu calendar.
March calendar
| 1st | Intercalary Days (end) - Baha'l |
| Saint David's Day - Christian | |
| Shrove Tuesday - Christian | |
| Maha Shivaratri - Hindu | |
| International Wheelchair Day | |
| Zero Discrimination Day | |
| 2nd | Nineteen Day Fast begins - Baha'l |
| Ash Wednesday - Christian | |
| 3rd | World Hearing Day |
| 6th | Cheesefare Sunday - Orthodox Christian |
| 7th | Great Lent begins/Clean Monday - Orthodox Christian |
| 8th | International Women's Day |
| 13th | Sunday of Orthodoxy - Orthodox Christian |
| 14th | Nanakshahl (New Year) - Sikh |
| 15th | Lord's Evening Meal - Jehovah's Witness |
| 16th | Purim - Judaism |
| 17th | Saint Patricks' Day - Christian |
| Holika Dahan - Hindu | |
| Bank Holiday - Northern Ireland and ROI | |
| 18th | Holi - Hindu |
| Lailat al Bara'ah - Islam | |
| Global Recycling Day | |
| 19th | Hola Mohalla - Sikh |
| 20th | Spring Equinox |
| Ostara/Mabon - Wicca/Pagan | |
| International Day of Happiness | |
| 21st | Naw-Ruz (New Year) - Baha'l |
| Norooz (New Year) - Persian/Zoroastrian | |
| International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination | |
| World Down Syndrome Day | |
| 25th | The Annunciation of the Virgin Mary - Christian |
| Annunciation to the Theotokos - Orthodox Christian | |
| Internationnal Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade | |
| 26th | Khordad Sal (Birth of Prophet Zarathushtra) - Zoroastrian |
| 27th | Mothering Sunday |
| British Summer Time begins | |
| 30th | World Bipolar Day |
| 31st | International Transgender Day of Visibility |
Are you celebrating any festivals this month? Please get in touch and tell us all about it! Email nicole.kershaw@newham.gov.uk.
Keep up to date with all our latest news here and on social media – we are on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Meet The Team: Sumayyah Aleem, Punjabi and Urdu interpreter
Every month, we introduce you to one of The Language Shop team. This month, meet Sumayyah Aleem, one of our Punjabi and Urdu interpreters. Find out about her passion for helping people and how gardening helps her to relax.
Tell us about what you do for TLS
I have been providing face to face and virtual interpreting services for The Language Shop. My responsibilities include converting information from the source language into the target language, carefully communicating spoken messages with efficiency, clarity and sensitivity.
What’s been your favourite project at TLS?
I have worked on many projects so far, some of the projects I have been working on are still on going. It is difficult to choose one particular project, however I felt very satisfied and happy when a broken family was reunited. The young children were back together from the foster care.
What’s been the biggest challenge?
Home visits can sometimes be challenging, as patients can occasionally become aggressive towards the professionals; the challenge is to remain calm before leaving the premises.
If you didn’t do your current job, what would you like to do?
I would wish to continue to work in a setting where I am providing help and supporting people, in an educational or medical setting.
Tell us something interesting about you
In my spare time, I grow my own flowers, plants and tea leaves. I find that the process of gardening is quite meditative for me and I believe that it helps me feel more centred during interpreting sessions.
If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would it be and why?
I would have loved to have met either Mother Teresa or Princess Diana. Like many people, I felt a strange connection to them. They radiated warmth and humility, and both were such great humanitarians.
What are your ambitions for 2022?
My strong desire and aspiration is to learn another language this year, which should develop my communication skills and contribute to The Language Shop.
Say hello to Jacky on The Language Shop’s social media – we are on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Keep up to date with all our latest news here.
No more exam halls: TLS remote examinations
The Ministry of Defence is just one customer using examination services developed by TLS, which we tailor to each organisation’s requirements.
Working across 70 languages, we remotely assess candidates at all levels of ability, from anywhere in the world with an internet connection. For the MoD, this has proven invaluable to their ‘boots on the ground’, who cannot easily fly home for exams.
Covid lockdown also meant that many educational institutions were unable to sit students together in exam halls. Our remote examination services have allowed the University of West London and the International School of Music to keep examining students throughout, too. Due to the success of these, the university has made the remote assessment a permanent fixture.
Find out more about our examination services.
Keep up to date with all our latest news here and on social media – we are on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
February dates for your diary
Calendar snapshots
1st February: Chinese New Year
This huge celebration is also known as Spring Festival and, as Chinese people return home to see family, creates one of the biggest movements of people worldwide. Celebrations include sweeping out the home, giving gifts of money in traditional red envelopes, putting up traditional paper decorations and eating special foods.
5th February: Vasant Panchami
This festival also welcomes spring and kicks off preparations for Holi, another Indian celebration. Hindus and Jains pray to Goddess Saraswati and many dress in yellow to symbolise the new beginnings of the season.
27th February: Meatfare Sunday
For Orthodox Christians, this date is the last opportunity to eat meat before Lent begins, and many will fast until Easter. Celebrations on this day tend to involve getting together with family and feasting on meat, in preparation for the forty days of privation ahead.
February calendar
| 1st | Chinese New Year – Confucian, Daoist, Buddhist |
| Imbolc – Lughnassadh – Wicca/Pagan | |
| World Hijab Day | |
| World Interfaith Harmony Week begins | |
| 2nd | Candlemas (Presentation of Christ in the Temple) – Christian |
| 3rd | Setsubun-sai – Shinto |
| 4th | World Cancer Day |
| 5th | Vasant Panchami – Hindu |
| 6th | Zacchaeus Sunday – Orthodox Christian |
| Time to Talk Day | |
| 7th | UK Race Equality Week begins |
| 8th | Safer Internet Day |
| 11th | International Day of Women and Girls in Science |
| World Day of the Sick | |
| 12th | Red Hand Day for Child Soldiers |
| 13th | Triodion begins – Orthodox Christian |
| Autism Sunday | |
| 14th | Saint Valentine’s Day |
| 15th | Parinirvana Day/Nirvana Day – Buddhist |
| International Childhood Cancer Day | |
| 16th | Magha Puja (Sangha Day) – Buddhist |
| 17th | World Human Spirit Day |
| 20th | Sunday of the Prodigal Son – Orthodox Christian |
| World Day of Social Justice | |
| 25th | Intercalary Days begin – Baha’i |
| International stand up to Bullying Day | |
| 27th | Meatfare Sunday – Orthodox Christian |
| 28th | Lailat al Miraj – Islam |
Are you celebrating any festivals this month? Please get in touch and tell us all about it! Email nicole.kershaw@newham.gov.uk.
Keep up to date with all our latest news here and on social media – we are on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Meet The Team: Jacky Ashton, Service Coordinator
Every month, we introduce you to one of The Language Shop team. This month, meet Jacky Ashton, the Service Coordinator for The Language Shop's on-demand team. Find out more about her official title and personal garden bar!
What’s been your favourite project at TLS?
Being part of the on-demand team since June 2020 when it was a team of five. This has now grown to a team of nine.
What’s been the biggest challenge?
Dealing with the old phone system - most days it was a challenge doing conference calls. It would often take a while to get all parties connected. Thankfully after a lot of hard work from TLS directors and other staff members, this has now been changed and calls run much more smoothly!
If you didn’t do your current job, what would you like to do?
Work in a wedding dress shop or to be a wedding planner.
Tell us something interesting about you
I have a title! It’s Lady Jacqueline Ashton. My husband purchased a title for us both a few years back. We own a very small plot of land in Scotland. It’s about the size of a carpet tile! The certificate that came with the title does say we can change our names on passports etc. to Lady/Lord and maybe get free upgrades on flights etc. We’ve not tried this out yet though. However it does not allow us entry to the House of Lords, nor is it transferrable to our children.
I also love the colour pink. When we moved to our house, my husband built me my own garden bar, which is called Jax Quarry Bar, as our address is on Quarry Road.
If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would it be and why?
It has to be Princess Diana, just to tell her what an amazing human being she was and to ask for her thoughts on the current world situation.
What are your ambitions for the coming year?
Work wise to carry on providing excellent customer service for TLS. Leisure wise to sign up for dance lessons with my husband.
Say hello to Jacky on The Language Shop’s social media – we are on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Keep up to date with all our latest news here.