DEAF singer Evie Waddell is to explore the relationship between Gaelic and British sign language in a Mòd performance aimed at empowering the deaf community.
Stirling-based Waddell will present an accessible show of dance and signed songs celebrating the two minority languages with a goal of transcending language barriers.
Her distinctive approach has been shaped by the challenge of continuing her passion for music after becoming completely deaf in one ear at the age of 11.
She had been learning traditional music from a young age, but after being classified as d/Deaf, she had to move from the clarsach, a relatively quiet instrument, to singing, a medium where she could feel the vibrations of sound within her body, granting her greater control.
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Traditional Gaelic songs are typically passed down aurally, however, which posed significant challenges for Waddell who had to invest extra effort to grasp the nuances of Gaelic words and tunes, unearthing alternative paths to musical mastery.
At one point, she considered concealing the fact she was deaf in one ear but now openly acknowledges and embraces it as a way of enhancing her work.
However, despite her success and innovative contributions, Waddell believes there should be a much better representation of the deaf community within Gaelic culture.
As a result, she said it is “incredibly important” to her that her show is accessible for both d/Deaf and Gaelic-speaking audiences.
“Although Gaelic Sign Language is yet to be formally established, I view BSL and Gaelic as allies, mutually enhancing each other,” said Waddell.
“Both languages, often marginalised, possess poetic depth and rich cultural heritage, and working with each revealed interesting overlaps.
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“For example, sometimes the word order of a phrase in BSL matches the word order in Gaelic which means, in these moments, I’m not thinking about English at all.”
Waddell added: “Combining signed songs with Gaelic storytelling has allowed me to connect deeply with the narrative of the performance. I also think signing while singing brings out more emotion and immediacy to the experience.
“Through directing Fàilte Gu BSL, my confidence in both languages has grown immeasurably, as has my sense of comfort and pride in where I sit within both communities.
“I hope that everyone can feel they can get something from the show, and that hearing people appreciate and notice what an amazing and dynamic language BSL is.
“It would be amazing to see an increase in the collaborations between hearing and non-hearing people from this. Fàilte Gu BSL invites you not to fear language barriers, but to break them down and join in in any way you can or want to.”
Waddell will host a workshop before her show which is open to anyone interested in the BSL or Gaelic movement.
Fàilte Gu BSL will take place at Paisley Town Hall on October 20 and is performed in BSL and SEE throughout.
Whether hard of hearing or deaf, young or old, Gaelic or English-speaking, a BSL user or not, all are welcome.
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