ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN DE MODE | WORLD
Article Published on: 23RD SEP 2024 | www.demodemagazine.com
International Day of Sign Languages (IDSL), celebrated on September 23rd each year, is a vital occasion dedicated to promoting the importance of sign languages as part of linguistic diversity and as a fundamental right for Deaf people worldwide. The United Nations proclaimed this day to raise awareness about the role of sign languages in empowering the Deaf community and ensuring their access to full and equal participation in society. As sign languages are an essential means of communication, culture, and identity for Deaf individuals, IDSL serves to highlight the need for greater recognition, understanding, and respect for these languages globally.
The History of International Day of Sign Languages
The International Day of Sign Languages was first celebrated in 2018, as part of the larger framework of the International Week of the Deaf, which was initiated by the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) in 1958. The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) officially proclaimed September 23rd as the International Day of Sign Languages in December 2017, following a resolution proposed by the WFD. The date was chosen to commemorate the establishment of the World Federation of the Deaf, which was founded on the same day in 1951.
The creation of this day was a significant milestone in promoting the visibility and inclusion of Deaf communities across the globe. It aligns with the principles outlined in the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), adopted in 2006, which calls for the protection of the linguistic rights of Deaf people and emphasizes that sign languages are equal in status to spoken languages.
The Importance of Sign Languages
Sign languages are natural, fully developed languages with their own syntax, grammar, and linguistic structure, just like spoken languages. There are over 300 different sign languages used around the world, each with its own unique linguistic features that reflect the cultural identity and heritage of the Deaf community it serves. Some well-known sign languages include American Sign Language (ASL), British Sign Language (BSL), French Sign Language (LSF), and International Sign, which is often used in international Deaf events.
Sign languages are crucial not only for communication but also for the expression of culture, emotions, and knowledge within Deaf communities. They enable Deaf people to access education, employment, healthcare, and public services, and to participate fully in civic life. However, many countries still face challenges in recognizing sign languages as official languages, providing quality education in sign language, and ensuring that public services are accessible to Deaf individuals.
Promoting Inclusion and Equality
The International Day of Sign Languages serves as an important platform for advocating for the rights of Deaf people and raising awareness about the need for inclusive societies. A key aspect of this advocacy is ensuring that sign languages are recognized and used as legitimate forms of communication in all aspects of life.
One of the major barriers Deaf individuals face is the lack of access to sign language interpreters, particularly in critical settings like healthcare, legal proceedings, and education. Many Deaf people experience exclusion due to the unavailability of sign language services or a general lack of understanding of their needs by hearing people. Ensuring that sign language interpreters are readily available and that public services are accessible in sign language is essential to fostering equality and reducing social isolation.
Education is another crucial area where sign languages play a significant role in inclusion. For Deaf children, access to education in their native sign language is vital for cognitive development and linguistic competence. However, many Deaf students around the world do not receive education in their own language, which severely limits their ability to succeed academically and socially. Promoting bilingual education—where sign language is used alongside the national spoken language—can help break down barriers and ensure that Deaf students receive quality education on an equal footing with their hearing peers.
Protecting Linguistic Diversity
One of the core goals of IDSL is to protect and promote linguistic diversity. Each sign language is deeply rooted in the culture and history of the Deaf community that uses it. In the same way that spoken languages reflect the identity of their speakers, sign languages are a source of pride and cultural heritage for Deaf people. Preserving and fostering the growth of these languages is crucial for maintaining the cultural richness and diversity of human communication.
Unfortunately, many sign languages are at risk of being marginalized or even lost due to lack of recognition, inadequate support, or policies that favor oralism (the teaching of Deaf individuals to speak and read lips rather than use sign language). The oralist approach has historically been prevalent in many educational systems, leading to generations of Deaf individuals being denied access to their natural language. The preservation of sign languages is a human rights issue, as language plays a fundamental role in personal identity, social inclusion, and cultural expression.
Global Efforts and Success Stories
Around the world, countries are making strides toward recognizing and promoting the use of sign languages. Several nations, such as New Zealand, Finland, and Uganda, have recognized sign language as an official language, ensuring that Deaf citizens can access public services and education in their native language. These countries have implemented policies that encourage the use of sign languages in schools, workplaces, and government institutions, setting an example for others to follow.
The international Deaf community has also seen significant advances thanks to global organizations like the World Federation of the Deaf, which works tirelessly to advocate for the rights of Deaf people, promote sign language education, and ensure the protection of Deaf cultures. The WFD collaborates with governments, the United Nations, and other bodies to drive policy changes that support sign languages and enhance the lives of Deaf individuals worldwide.
Another notable achievement is the use of sign language interpreters in media broadcasts, such as news programs, public health announcements, and political speeches. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many governments recognized the importance of providing vital information in sign language, highlighting the need for accessible communication in times of crisis. This demonstrated the potential for greater inclusion and accessibility in everyday communication, setting a precedent for how information can be made available to Deaf individuals.
How to Support International Day of Sign Languages
There are numerous ways individuals, organizations, and governments can support and celebrate IDSL:
Learn Sign Language: Whether it's learning basic greetings or becoming proficient, learning a sign language is a powerful way to connect with the Deaf community and foster inclusivity.
Advocate for Sign Language Recognition: Support policies that recognize sign languages as official languages and ensure the rights of Deaf individuals are protected in law.
Promote Sign Language in Education: Advocate for bilingual education models that allow Deaf children to learn in both sign language and the national spoken language. This ensures equal access to education for Deaf students.
Raise Awareness: Use social media, community events, or educational campaigns to spread awareness about the importance of sign languages and the rights of Deaf people.
Support Deaf Businesses and Creators: Many Deaf individuals run businesses or create content, often promoting their language and culture. Supporting Deaf entrepreneurs and artists helps amplify their voices and their contributions to society.
Conclusion
International Day of Sign Languages is a celebration of the rich linguistic diversity found in the world’s many sign languages and a reminder of the rights of Deaf people to access education, services, and social participation in their native language. By promoting the recognition, respect, and use of sign languages, we contribute to building more inclusive, equitable societies that value the contributions of all individuals. As awareness grows, so too does the potential for meaningful change—ensuring that sign languages thrive for generations to come, preserving cultural heritage, and empowering Deaf communities around the world.