International Day of Sign Languages is celebrated every year on 23 September along with the International Week of the Deaf. The theme of International Sign Language Day 2023 is “Sign languages unite us!”. The day is observed to promote awareness regarding the significance of sign language in upholding the complete realization of the human rights of individuals with hearing impairments.
International Day of Sign Languages Theme 2023
The theme of International Day of Sign Languages 2023 is “Sign languages unite us!”. The theme emphasizes that sign language plays a unifying role, bringing together individuals from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds who use sign language as their means of communication. It underscores the idea that sign languages have the power to bridge gaps and foster unity among deaf communities and beyond, promoting inclusivity, understanding, and the recognition of the rights of individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Importance of International Day of Sign Languages
The International Day of Sign Languages is celebrated every year on September 23 to raise awareness of the importance of sign languages and promote the linguistic identity and cultural diversity of deaf people.
Sign languages are full-fledged natural languages that are used by deaf people all over the world. There are over 300 different sign languages in use today, each with its own unique grammar, vocabulary, and syntax.
Sign languages are essential for deaf people to access information, communicate with others, and participate in society. They are also important for deaf culture and identity.
The International Day of Sign Languages is an opportunity to celebrate the diversity and richness of sign languages, and to promote their use in all areas of society. It is also an opportunity to raise awareness of the challenges faced by deaf people, and to advocate for their rights.
Here are some of the reasons why the International Sign Language Day is important:
- To raise awareness of sign languages and the linguistic identity and cultural diversity of deaf people.
- To promote the use of sign languages in all areas of society, including education, employment, healthcare, and government services.
- To advocate for the rights of deaf people, including the right to access information and communication in their own language.
- To celebrate the diversity and richness of sign languages.
On this International Day of Sign Languages, let us all work together to create a world where all deaf people can reach their full potential.
History of International Day of Sign Languages
The proposal for International Day of Sign Languages originated from the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD), a federation comprising 135 national associations representing approximately 70 million deaf individuals worldwide, advocating for their human rights. Resolution A/RES/72/161, which established the Day, was sponsored by the Permanent Mission of Antigua and Barbuda to the United Nations and co-sponsored by 97 United Nations Member States. It was unanimously adopted on 19 December 2017.
The selection of 23 September as the date for this Day holds significance as it marks the establishment of the WFD in 1951. This date symbolizes the birth of an advocacy organization, one of its primary objectives being the preservation of sign languages and Deaf culture, seen as essential elements for realizing the human rights of deaf individuals.
The International Day of Sign Languages was initially observed in 2018, becoming an integral part of the International Week of the Deaf. The International Week of the Deaf originated in September 1958 and has since grown into a global movement promoting Deaf unity and concerted advocacy to raise awareness about the challenges faced by deaf people in their daily lives.
International Day of Sign Languages Quotes
Here are some quotes to celebrate the International Day of Sign Languages:
- “Sign languages are not just languages; they are keys that open doors to a world of understanding and connection.”
- “In silence, we find unity. In sign languages, we find a shared voice.”
- “The beauty of sign languages lies in their ability to bridge gaps and foster inclusion.”
- “Sign languages: where words become gestures, and gestures become words.”
- “Deafness isn’t a disability; it’s a different way of experiencing the world. Sign languages celebrate that uniqueness.”
- “On International Day of Sign Languages, let’s remember that diversity is our strength, and inclusion is our goal.”
- “In every sign, there’s a story waiting to be told. Let’s listen with our eyes and understand with our hearts.”
- “Sign languages break down barriers and build communities.”
- “Hands can speak louder than words. Sign languages are proof of that.”
- “In the world of sign languages, silence is never silent—it’s a vibrant conversation of gestures and expressions.”
The theme of the International Sign Language for 2023 is “Sign Languages Unite Us.” This theme emphasizes the importance of sign languages in bringing people together and building community.
The first International Day of Sign Languages was observed on September 23, 2018.
International Day of Sign Languages is important to raise awareness of the importance of sign languages and promote the linguistic identity and cultural diversity of deaf people. It is also an opportunity to advocate for the rights of deaf people, including the right to access information and communication in their own language.
September 23 was chosen as the date for International Day of Sign Languages because it is the anniversary of the founding of the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) in 1951. The WFD is an international organization that represents the interests of deaf people around the world.
Sign languages are full-fledged natural languages that are used by deaf people all over the world. There are over 300 different sign languages in use today, each with its own unique grammar, vocabulary, and syntax.
There are many ways to learn a sign language. You can take a class at a local community college or university, or you can find online resources. There are also many deaf and hard of hearing organizations that offer sign language classes and workshops.