International Day of Sign Languages

International Day of Sign Languages History

International Day of Sign Languages is an annual observance that aims to raise awareness about the importance of sign languages as a vital means of communication for millions of deaf and hard of hearing people worldwide. It seeks to preserve and promote sign languages as the rich cultural heritage of deaf communities globally. The day also emphasizes the need to support and facilitate access to sign language education and learning for everyone, allowing the inclusion and full participation of deaf individuals in all aspects of society.

The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the International Day of Sign Languages in December 2017, with the first observance taking place on 23 September 2018. In Australia, Australian Sign Language (Auslan) is the predominant sign language used by the deaf community, and it is a key component in the education, socialization, and overall well-being of deaf Australians. With around 30,000 daily Auslan users, this observance encourages Australians to learn and engage with sign language, helping to bridge the gap between hearing and deaf communities and promoting inclusivity across the country.

In Australia, International Day of Sign Languages is observed through various events and initiatives aimed at raising awareness and promoting the use and understanding of Auslan. Organizations like the Deaf Society and Australian Sign Language Interpreters' Association often host workshops, webinars, and other educational activities for people interested in learning sign language or supporting the deaf community. International Day of Sign Languages takes place annually on 23 September, providing an opportunity for Australians to celebrate the rich culture of Auslan and the rights of deaf individuals to access communication without barriers.

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.
• During the 20th century, there was a period of "oralism" in deaf education, where educators attempted to teach deaf children to speak and lip-read instead of using sign language. This approach has been widely criticized for hindering the development of deaf children's language and communication skills.
• Auslan is the native language of approximately 10,000 deaf people in Australia. It is a vibrant and complex language, with a syntax, grammar, and lexicon that is distinct from spoken Australian English.

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

Top things to do in Australia for this observance

• Download mobile applications that teach Auslan. These apps can provide you with interactive lessons, quizzes, and games to strengthen your sign language skills while on the go.
• Explore websites dedicated to Auslan, Deaf culture, and awareness. These websites often provide valuable resources, news, articles, and information on upcoming events or gatherings.