International Day of Sign Languages

International Day of Sign Languages History

International Day of Sign Languages is an annual observance to raise awareness about the importance of sign languages in fostering an inclusive society for deaf individuals. This day highlights the need for sign languages to be promoted, preserved, and universally accessible to ensure that deaf people worldwide can exercise their human rights and achieve their full potential. The importance of sign languages extends beyond the deaf community, as they also benefit individuals with autism, those who have lost their hearing later in life, and even non-verbal individuals.

Although International Day of Sign Languages was officially declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 2017, the British Deaf Association has a rich history dating back to 1890. In the United Kingdom, British Sign Language (BSL) is the most widely used, with an estimated 151,000 individuals relying on BSL as their primary means of communication. International Day of Sign Languages is a reminder for everyone in the UK to appreciate the importance of sign languages and support campaigns like the BSL Act, which aims to promote the recognition, use, and access to BSL across the country.

On the International Day of Sign Languages, numerous events and activities are organized in the United Kingdom to celebrate sign languages' linguistic and cultural significance. These events often include workshops, performances, panel discussions, and artistic exhibitions that showcase the heritage and contributions of the deaf community. The day is observed on 23rd September each year, allowing British society to unite to support sign languages, encourage further research and education, and champion increased accessibility for all.

International Day of Sign Languages facts

• September 23rd was chosen as the date to celebrate this day because the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) was established on this day in 1951.
• Studies involving eye tracking show that sign language users have a different visual perception, focusing on the face and using peripheral vision to catch the signs.
• Babies can learn to use sign language before they can even talk. This can help reduce frustration and increase parent-child communication. Baby signing won’t delay verbal speech, and can actually enhance language and cognitive development.
• The roots of BSL can be traced back to the early 18th century, with the establishment of the first school for the deaf in the UK.
• It's estimated that there are around 70,000 to 150,000 BSL users in the UK. This includes deaf people who use BSL as their primary language and hearing people who are fluent in BSL, such as interpreters, family members, and professionals working with the deaf community.

In the News and Trending in the UK for International Day of Sign Languages

Top things to do in the UK for this observance

• Look for local deaf organizations or charities that require volunteers. Volunteering can provide hands-on experience, opportunities for real-life interactions with BSL users, and a chance to practice and refine your sign language skills.
• Access online BSL dictionaries to expand your vocabulary. Websites like BSL Signbank or Spread the Sign provide extensive databases of signs, their meanings, and usage examples.