International Day of Sign Languages, 23 September, Theme and History

The International Day of Sign Languages is a significant occasion that celebrates the importance of sign languages and promotes the rights of deaf people worldwide. The day aims to raise awareness about the importance of sign languages and the need to promote the linguistic and cultural diversity of deaf people. It also emphasizes the principle of “nothing about us without us” in terms of working with deaf communities.

International Day of Sign Languages

Sign languages are fully-fledged natural languages, structurally distinct from spoken languages. There are over 300 sign languages used globally, with each country having its own native sign language. Sign languages are an essential part of deaf culture and identity, and they play a crucial role in promoting the linguistic and cultural diversity of deaf people.

Objectives of International Day of Sign Languages :

• Raise awareness: To raise awareness about the importance of sign language and the rights of deaf people.
• Promote recognition: To promote the recognition of sign languages as a fundamental human right, essential for the full realization of the human rights of people who are deaf.
• Advocate for inclusion: To advocate for the inclusion of deaf people in society, ensuring that they have equal access to education, employment, healthcare, and other services.

International Day of Sign Languages Theme

The theme for the 2024 International Day of Sign Languages is Sign Up for Sign Language Rights which emphasizes on the importance of advocating for the rights of deaf people to use their native sign languages. It highlights the need for governments, organizations, and individuals to take concrete actions to promote the recognition and protection of sign language rights. By Signing up For Sign Language Rights, we can work together to promote the recognition and protection of sign language rights, ensuring that deaf people have equal access to opportunities and can fully participate in society.

International Day of Sign Languages Date

The International Day of Sign Languages (IDSL), celebrated annually on 23 September , is a global observance that highlights the importance of sign languages and promotes their use as a vital means of communication for deaf people worldwide. It aims to raise awareness about the diverse range of sign languages used by deaf communities, to advocate for their recognition and acceptance, and to promote the development of sign language education and resources.

International Day of Sign Languages History

The International Day of Sign Languages was first celebrated in 2018, following a resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2017. The resolution recognized the importance of sign language for the full realization of the human rights of people who are deaf. The World Federation of the Deaf, a federation of 135 national associations of deaf people, played a key role in promoting the recognition of sign languages as a fundamental human right. The organization has been advocating for the rights of deaf people for over 60 years and has been instrumental in promoting the International Day of Sign Languages.