The International Day of Sign Languages, celebrated on September 23rd, emphasizes the importance of sign languages for deaf individuals worldwide. Established by the 2017 UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/72/16, this day advocates for early access to sign language and quality education, crucial for deaf development.
The resolution promotes linguistic diversity and acknowledges over 70 million deaf people globally. Markedly, 80% of deaf people are living in developing countries, using over 300 sign languages. In India, we observe this day as Sign Language Day. It celebrates Indian Sign Language (ISL) as a unique visual-manual language that facilitates communication between deaf and hearing communities.
Indian Sign Language (ISL)
ISL differs significantly from Hindi, English, or any other spoken language in India. It has its own structure and is not a hand representation of spoken languages. Since its inaugural celebration in 2018, Sign Language Day has raised awareness about the importance of sign languages. All in all, this has helped in achieving international development goals and protecting human rights for deaf individuals.
This date is significant as it aligns with the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) establishment in 1951. Above all, it reinforces the global commitment to recognize and preserve sign languages. This celebration invites everyone to learn more and engage with this important cause.
Download the full article for quick, offline access:
Want to stay informed and inspired? Subscribe to our blog for insightful updates delivered straight to your inbox. Explore our website for a curated collection of reference books, resources, and more. It will fuel your curiosity and keep you ahead.
One thought on “International Day of Sign Languages: Celebrating Deaf Culture and Linguistic Diversity”