The structural differences between sign languages and spoken languages make them fully developed natural languages. Deaf people also utilise an informal version of sign language known as international sign language when they are travelling and interacting with others. It is regarded as pidgin kind of sign language that is less sophisticated than natural sign languages and has a constrained vocab.
The globe observes IDSL, or International Day of Sign Languages, on September 23 every year. The day offers a special chance to support and preserve the cultural diversity and linguistic uniqueness of all sign language users, including the deaf. People who are hard of hearing have a means of communication thanks to sign language. As the name implies, this day strives to raise awareness about the value of sign language in the achievement of deaf people's human rights.
History
The World Federation of the Deaf (WFD), a federation of 135 national deaf groups representing over 70 million deaf individuals worldwide, proposed the idea for the Day. The Permanent Mission of Antigua and Barbuda to the United Nations, along with 97 other UN Member States, sponsored resolution A/RES/72/161, which was unanimously approved on December 19th, 2017. The date of September 23 has been chosen to honour the day in 1951 when the WFD was founded. Today honours the founding of an advocacy group, one of its key
objectives is the preservation of sign languages and deaf culture as necessary conditions for the fulfilment of deaf people's human rights. The first International Week of the Deaf, which included the International Day of Sign Languages, took place in 2018. The inaugural International Week of the Deaf was observed in September 1958, and since then it has grown into an international movement of deaf unity and concentrated lobbying to bring attention to the problems that deaf people deal with on a daily basis.
Significance
Visual languages, such as sign languages, employ gestures or symbols to convey messages. Each nation has its own sign language, such as American sign language in the US and British sign language in the UK. The significance of safeguarding this form of communication
for the deaf is highlighted by the International Day of Sign Language. The day serves as a platform for the growth of sign language. It also emphasises the accomplishments related to the internationally recognised development objectives.
Theme
"A World Where Deaf People Everywhere Can Sign Anywhere!" is the theme for the 2023 International Day of Sign Languages. The unifying power of sign languages will be celebrated throughout the world. Together, Deaf communities, governments, and civil society groups continue to create, promote, and acknowledge national sign languages as essential components of the dynamic and varied linguistic landscapes of their respective nations.
How to observe the World Day of Sign Languages
You can celebrate the International Day of Sign Languages in a variety of ways. Of course, we think that learning sign language is the most effective way to accomplish this! You can find a tonne of helpful information online to assist you with this. Simple sign language skills like greetings can have a profound impact. Just think about how amazing you could make someone feel if you took the time to understand them and speak to them in a way they could understand.
Increasing awareness is another way to mark the International Day of Sign Languages! Many individuals are unaware of the many sign languages. They are also ignorant of the figures pertaining to the number of sign language users worldwide. Make it a point to inform others about this day.
You can achieve this in a variety of ways. You can decide to invite friends and family over for wine tastings and appetisers. You can instruct them in sign languages and persuade them to make a donation to a deaf-related organisation. Another choice is to merely use social media to inform your friends and followers. Spread the word and raise awareness about the issue by sharing compelling messages and infographics. The impact you have is enormous, even if you only influence or teach one person.
