International Day of Sign Languages

International Day of Sign Languages History

International Day of Sign Languages is a global observance that aims to raise awareness and promote the use of sign languages in various aspects of society. Recognized by the United Nations, this event highlights the importance of sign languages in achieving equal rights and opportunities for the deaf community and the need for greater accessibility and inclusion. It also celebrates the beauty and diversity of sign languages while paying tribute to the dedicated work of sign language interpreters and teachers.

The United Nations General Assembly declared the International Day of Sign Languages on 19 December 2017 as part of a resolution to improve the quality of life for deaf individuals worldwide. It is of particular significance in South Africa since the country recognizes South African Sign Language (SASL) as one of its 12 official languages. Enhancing the visibility and understanding of SASL is crucial for the estimated 4 million people in South Africa living with hearing loss and for fostering greater social cohesion and inclusivity.

In South Africa, the International Day of Sign Languages is observed through various activities and initiatives to raise awareness and celebrate SASL. Organizations dedicated to supporting the deaf community, such as the Deaf Federation of South Africa, play a pivotal role in organizing these events, which include workshops, seminars, and performances in sign language. The International Day of Sign Languages takes place annually on 23 September, bringing together individuals and institutions from all walks of life to join in the collective efforts to recognize and appreciate the value of sign languages in creating an inclusive society.

Top 10 Facts for 2026 International Day of Sign Languages in South Africa

• The global observance features the dedicated 2026 theme, “Declaring Deaf People's Human Rights,” which emphasizes the fundamental necessity of linguistic inclusion.
• In South Africa, the commemoration serves as a core component of Deaf Awareness Month, a period focused on advancing the aspirations, experiences, and rights of the Deaf community.
• South African Sign Language (SASL) stands as the country’s 12th official language, a milestone constitutionally recognized to ensure equal status and promote the rights of those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Public and private sectors are encouraged to adopt the South African Sign Language Charter, a foundational document that outlines specific pledges to improve access to quality information and protect linguistic human rights.
• Global solidarity for the day is often expressed through the “Shine a Blue Light” initiative, where landmarks and official buildings are illuminated in blue to honor the linguistic identity of Deaf communities.
• The date honors the founding of the World Federation of the Deaf, which was established in 1951 to promote the global rights and status of sign languages.
• South African authorities emphasize that the development of SASL policy must be inclusive, operating under the principle of “nothing about us without us” to ensure Deaf stakeholders are active participants in decisions affecting them.
• Sign languages are recognized as fully-fledged, natural languages that are structurally distinct from spoken languages, incorporating complex facial expressions, body language, and specific hand positioning.
• Early language acquisition for Deaf children is a primary advocacy focus in South Africa, with government initiatives increasingly targeting family support and inclusive communication training for parents.
• Worldwide, over 70 million Deaf people rely on more than 300 different sign languages, highlighting the vast cultural and linguistic diversity that this international day seeks to protect and celebrate.

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

Top things to do in South Africa for this observance

• Explore online sign language courses, websites, and blogs that offer lessons, videos, and learning materials specifically for South African sign languages. Some useful websites include SASLclasses.co.za and SignSchool SA.
• Explore books, articles, and research papers about South African sign languages. These sources can give you a deeper understanding of the linguistics, culture, and education related to South African sign languages.