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 of the importance of sign languages as a means of communication for the deaf community and to promote the rights of deaf people globally. A key aspect of this day is to recognise the vital role of sign language in fostering social inclusion and ensuring deaf people have equal access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. This global event encourages the understanding and appreciation of sign language and promotes its growth, preservation, and adaptation to serve its users' needs better.

In 2017, the United Nations General Assembly declared September 23 as the International Day of Sign Languages, following a resolution proposed by the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD). In New Zealand, New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) has been recognized as one of the country’s three official languages, alongside English and Māori, since the New Zealand Sign Language Act 2006 came into effect. The recognition of NZSL has positively impacted the deaf community by improving access to public services and promoting the use and visibility of sign language within the broader population of Aotearoa.

In New Zealand, International Day of Sign Languages is observed through various activities, such as workshops, awareness campaigns, and educational events promoting NZSL. These initiatives aim to increase the understanding of sign languages and the deaf community while advocating for their rights and promoting their unique culture and language. The events typically occur around late September each year, in alignment with the global observance of International Day of Sign Languages on September 23, ensuring New Zealanders can join the worldwide celebration of this important day.

Top 10 Facts for 2026 International Day of Sign Languages in NZ

• The 2026 observance of the International Day of Sign Languages focuses on the global theme, 'Declaring Deaf People's Human Rights,' emphasizing the essential connection between linguistic identity and fundamental human liberties.
• New Zealand holds a unique position globally, as New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) is one of the country's three official languages, a status it has formally held since the passage of the New Zealand Sign Language Act 2006.
• The International Day of Sign Languages is observed annually to commemorate the 1951 founding of the World Federation of the Deaf, an organization dedicated to the rights and inclusion of Deaf people worldwide.
• NZSL is a visual-gestural language that incorporates hand shapes, body movements, and facial expressions, including specific lip patterns, making it structurally distinct from any spoken or written language.
• Reflecting its Aotearoa New Zealand roots, NZSL uniquely includes vocabulary for Māori concepts, such as marae and tangi, as well as specific signs for local placenames.
• While NZSL shares approximately 62.5% of its signs with British Sign Language (BSL) due to its historical development, it remains a distinct language that reflects the specific cultural and educational history of New Zealand.
• Approximately 23,000 New Zealanders use NZSL in their daily lives, including members of the Deaf community, their families, and others who rely on it as a primary or essential form of communication.
• Despite its official status, NZSL is recognized as a threatened language, making the awareness raised during this international observance critical for its ongoing protection, maintenance, and promotion.
• The observance serves as a vital platform for Deaf Aotearoa, the national organization that represents the interests of the Deaf community and advocates for the rights of NZSL users.
• Unlike NZSL Week, which is a national celebration held annually in May, the International Day of Sign Languages provides a global context to celebrate linguistic diversity and the right of every Deaf person to sign freely in any space.

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

Top things to do in NZ for this observance

• Enroll in online courses specifically designed to teach NZSL. Look for reputable platforms like Sign Ninja or start with the introductory courses on websites like NZSL Online.
• Attend virtual NZSL meetups organized by local Deaf community groups or language learning organizations. These meetups provide an opportunity to connect with fluent signers and practice your skills in a supportive environment.