International Day of Sign Language is commemorated on September 23 with the aim of raising awareness of the importance of sign languages for the full realization of the human rights of deaf people, as well as to encourage support and protection of their linguistic identity and cultural diversity.
300 different sign languages
According to the World Federation of the Deaf, there are approximately 70 million deaf people worldwide. More than 80% live in developing countries and as a collective, they use more than 300 different sign languages.
Sign languages are natural languages to all intents and purposes, structurally distinct from spoken languages. There is also an international sign language that is used by deaf people in international meetings and, informally, when traveling and socializing. This international language is considered a pidgin language, that is, a mixed language created from a given language plus other elements of one or more other languages. In the case of international sign language, it is less complex than natural sign languages and has a limited lexicon.
The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities recognizes and promotes the use of sign languages. It establishes that they have the same status as spoken languages and obliges state parties to facilitate the learning of sign languages and promote the linguistic identity of the deaf community.
The United Nations General Assembly establishes that early access to sign language and sign language services, including quality sign language education, is vital to the growth and development of deaf people and critical to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. It also highlights the importance of preserving sign languages as part of linguistic and cultural diversity. It also stresses that when working with deaf communities, the principle of “nothing about us without us” should be considered and applied.
Sign up for Sign Language Rights
This year’s celebration of International Day of Sign Language seeks to highlight the unity generated by all sign languages. This year’s theme is “Sign up for Sign Language Rights,” and world leaders and other government officials are invited to sign that slogan in their national sign language.
As we approach the 20th anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, adopted in December 2006, the UN calls on the international community to strive for better implementation of the Convention at the national level through the linguistic human rights of deaf people.
Sign languages: crucial for expressing yourself and connecting with others
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said in his message on the occasion of International Sign Language Day: “Sign languages are crucial to express oneself, connect with others and participate in all aspects of economic, social, cultural and political spheres. Their use is also critical to ensuring access to information and services, including during emergencies, and to realizing the human rights of the more than 70 million deaf people around the globe.”
Guterres also said, “Early introduction and quality inclusive education in sign language are essential for their full and effective participation, as guided by the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.”
