International Day of Sign Languages is observed on the 23rd of September every year. The choice of 23 September is the same date that the World Federation of the Deaf was established in 1951. Sign language is a way of communication using hand gestures, which are visually read by people unable to hear or speak. International Day of Sign Languages creates awareness of the importance of sign language in the full realization of the human rights of people who are deaf. Though sign languages structurally differ from spoken language, they are full-fledged natural languages, even in its many forms. On a global scale, there is an international sign language which is used for official meeting or even when informally travelling and socializing.

International Day of Sign Languages recognizes the importance of sign languages for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and fulfilling its promise of leaving no one behind.

International Day of Sign Languages: Know rights of sign language users

• “Sign languages are equal in status to spoken languages”
• “Allows deaf people to choose to give and receive official communications in the way they choose, including in sign languages”
• “Obligates the governments to encourage the learning of sign language and promote the linguistic identity of the Deaf Community”
• “Requires the governments to provide early and comprehensive information, services and support to children with disabilities and their families, including information about deaf culture, sign language and bilingual education.”

International Day of Sign Languages:  facts

1. Sign language varies from country to country. Most of the country have their own sign language or share a certain sign language but, with a different dialect.
2. Sign languages have their own definite grammar. For instance, a well constructed question must be accompanied by the correct eyebrow position. When a person is asking questions related to who, where, what, why and when, then the eyebrows are kept down. If the question is regarding a yes/no situation, the eyebrows are kept up.
3. Brain injury damages the perception of sign language in the same way like other spoken languages. A person who has a brain injury might be able to produce signs but, cannot put them in correct grammatical order.
4. Sign language doesn’t only use signs to communicate. It uses facial expression, hand movement and position, gestures and body language to communicate.