International Day of Sign Languages: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about International Day of Sign Languages (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. International Day of Sign Languages is observed on September 23rd.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of International Day of Sign Languages, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as captivating facts you may want to know about International Day of Sign Languages.

📅 What day is International Day of Sign Languages 2024?

In 2024, International Day of Sign Languages is on Saturday, September 23rd. It is the 4th Saturday in September; in 2024, it is Monday. There are until the next observance. You also can explore all fascinating details and facts about September 23, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

On September 23rd, the United Nations celebrates the International Day of Sign Languages. This day is particularly significant because it marks the establishment of the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) in 1951. In recognition of the WFD’s efforts in promoting sign languages, the International Day of Sign Languages is now observed on September 23rd each year.

📜 International Day of Sign Languages History

Socrates argues in this context that if humans didn’t have the ability to speak, we would naturally use gestures and body movements to communicate, much like people with limited intellectual abilities do today.

Before the nineteenth century, there was limited knowledge about historical sign languages. The focus was mainly on fingerspelling methods, which were used to convert spoken words into sign language. The first known manual alphabet was developed by Pedro Ponce de Leon.

The International Day of Sign Languages is a relatively recent commemoration that started in 2018. It takes place on September 23rd each year to mark the 50th anniversary of the World Federation of the Deaf’s establishment in 1951. Each year, a different theme is chosen for the day, such as “With Sign Language, Everyone Is Included” in 2018.

The theme for 2019 was “Sign Language Rights for All!” It is important to study this issue each year as it can help increase knowledge and awareness. For example, learning about the rights of people who use sign language would have been a great way to commemorate the day in 2019. There are no restrictions on doing so now either!

✅ International Day of Sign Languages Facts

🔖 Different countries have their own versions
Even though English is spoken in both the United Kingdom and the United States, their sign languages differ significantly. Similar to accents and dialects in spoken language, there are also regional variations in sign language.

🔖 It uses more than just hand gestures
Aside from using “signs,” British Sign Language also utilizes facial expressions, hand gestures, and body movements to convey messages. It has its own unique grammatical structure, with sentence patterns that differ from those found in spoken English.

🔖 Fourth most used language in the U.K.
More than 125,000 adults in the UK are fluent in British Sign Language, and there are also many others who have some knowledge of how to communicate using it. In England and Wales alone, around 15,000 people consider British Sign Language as their main language.

👍 Why Is International Day of Sign Languages Important

Of course, the most apparent reason why sign languages are amazing cannot be overlooked. Many deaf and hard-of-hearing people use sign languages to communicate.Deaf people’s native languages are sign languages, and they allow complete communication access. Although sign languages are mostly used by deaf people, they are also used by people who can hear but cannot speak.

The movement of a person’s arms, body, and facial expressions, as well as the movement of their hands, are all examples of sign languages. Facial expressions in sign languages may transmit both emotional and grammatical information. Raising and lowering one’s brows, for example, can change the syntax of a sentence from a statement to an inquiry.

People who are fluent in sign language are often far better listeners. When using sign language, keep constant eye contact with the person speaking. Sign languages, unlike spoken languages, do not allow a person to look away from the person speaking while still listening. This may be a highly beneficial habit to establish for both spoken and sign languages. Maintaining eye contact while speaking shows that you are genuinely interested in what the other person is saying.

🙂 How To Observe International Day of Sign Languages

⚡ Host a fundraising event
There are many different ways you can get involved, such as organizing bake sales or participating in sponsored races. Events provide a great opportunity to raise donations and spread awareness about sign languages. It is also important to use social media to generate interest and promote your upcoming event.

⚡ Learn a sign language
Learning sign language is a great way to show respect on this day. The internet offers great resources for learning sign language, and it can make a big difference to be able to greet someone using their language. Imagine how special someone would feel if you welcomed them in a way they can understand.

⚡ Join in creating awareness
One way to mark the International Day of Sign Languages is by spreading awareness! There are numerous people who are uninformed about the various sign languages and the significant number of individuals worldwide who depend on them. Use this day as an opportunity to enlighten others and take the lead in educating them.

📅 When is International Day of Sign Languages?

Explore all 🔗 September holidays, including 🔗 Cause and other 🔗 Awareness holidays.

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