International Day of Sign Languages

International Day of Sign Languages History

International Day of Sign Languages (IDSL) aims at raising awareness about the critical role sign languages play in the lives of deaf and hard-of-hearing people. With over 200 different sign languages around the world, this observance promotes the significance of these languages in ensuring full and effective communication access, as well as protecting the cultural and linguistic rights of deaf people. It serves as an opportunity for society to recognize and support linguistic diversity, enabling deaf individuals to access education, healthcare, and other vital services and participate more inclusively in their communities.

The United Nations General Assembly first proclaimed IDSL in 2017. For Americans, this observance is particularly relevant as it not only supports the preservation of American Sign Language (ASL) but also fosters deeper understanding of Deaf culture and experiences in the United States. ASL is recognized as the primary sign language used by approximately 500,000-2,000,000 deaf people in America and is the third most commonly used language in the country.

In the United States, International Day of Sign Languages is celebrated with various activities and events, including ASL workshops, Deaf cultural presentations, and performances by deaf artists. These initiatives provide valuable platforms to learn about and engage with the Deaf community, as well as to celebrate the cultural and linguistic diversity of American Sign Language. International Day of Sign Languages is observed on September 23 each year.

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.
• In the early 18th century, a community in Martha Vineyard, Massachusetts, used a unique sign language for over 200 years due to a high incidence rate of deafness, before ASL became widespread.
• William Stokoe, a former linguistics professor at Gallaudet University, is often referred to as the 'father of ASL linguistics' for his rigorous research proving that ASL is a legitimate language, independent of English.
• ASL has regional accents. Just as with spoken languages, ASL has accents. These accents can change the shape, timing, and movement of the sign, giving it a specific flavor from a region.

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

Top things to do in the US for this observance

• Watch Sound and Fury (2000).
• Look for local community centers, community colleges, or language schools that offer sign language classes. Taking a structured class will provide you with a solid foundation in sign language and help you practice with others.
• There are numerous websites and apps dedicated to teaching sign language. Explore platforms like ASL Pro, Lifeprint, and ASL University, which offer lessons, quizzes, and other resources that can help you learn sign languages.