International Day of Sign Languages
The International Day of Sign Languages (IDSL) is celebrated annually on 23 September. The day is observed to raise awareness of the importance of sign language in the full realization of the human rights of people who are deaf.
History
The proposal for the Day came from the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD), a federation of 135 national associations of deaf people. The date of 23 September was chosen because it commemorates the date that the WFD was established in 1951. The day was first celebrated in 2018 as part of the International Week of the Deaf.
In 2017, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution (A/RES/72/161) declaring 23 September as the International Day of Sign Languages. The resolution was sponsored by the Permanent Mission of Antigua and Barbuda to the United Nations, co-sponsored by 97 United Nations Member States and adopted by consensus on 19 December 2017.
Significance
The IDSL is a unique opportunity to support and protect the linguistic identity and cultural diversity of all deaf people and other sign language users. It aims to promote the use of sign languages in all areas of public and private life, as well as raise awareness about their importance.
Sign languages are fully fledged natural languages, structurally distinct from spoken languages. There is also an international sign language, which is used by deaf people in international meetings and informally when travelling and socializing.
According to the World Federation of the Deaf, there are approximately 72 million deaf people worldwide. More than 80% of them live in developing countries. Collectively, they use more than 300 different sign languages.
Theme
Each year, the IDSL focuses on a particular theme. The theme for the year 2023 is “Sign Language Unites Us!”.
Observance in India
India has a significant deaf population. According to the 2011 census, there are about 5 million deaf people in India. The Indian Sign Language (ISL) is used in the deaf community throughout India.
The IDSL is observed in India through various events and activities organized by the deaf community, NGOs, and government institutions. These include sign language workshops, cultural events, awareness campaigns, and conferences.
The Indian government has taken several steps to promote the use of sign language. In 2015, the Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC) was established under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The centre works for the development and standardization of ISL, as well as training and research in the field.
In 2020, the Indian Sign Language Dictionary was launched by the ISLRTC. The dictionary contains 10,000 words in ISL and is available in both print and video formats.
Global Initiatives
The IDSL is a part of the larger efforts of the United Nations to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities, including the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
The CRPD, adopted in 2006, recognizes the importance of sign languages and the need to promote their use. Article 21 of the CRPD requires states parties to accept and facilitate the use of sign languages.
Other global initiatives related to sign languages include the World Federation of the Deaf and the International Week of the Deaf.
The IDSL serves as a reminder that sign languages are essential for the full realization of human rights for deaf people. It’s a call to governments, UN agencies, civil society organizations, and the private sector to support and promote the use of sign languages in all areas of life.
