The International Day of Sign Languages

September 23rd is the International Day of Sign Languages. This day was established to celebrate various sign languages worldwide and to raise awareness about their importance and the human rights of Deaf individuals.

Sign language is a complete, independent language with its own unique grammar and vocabulary. It is a natural language that developed through human use over generations, not an artificial language designed consciously for certain purposes.

Proposed by the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD), it was officially designated and recognized by the UN General Assembly on December 19, 2017. Following this event, the first International Day of Sign Languages was celebrated in 2018. September 23 was specifically chosen to mark the date of WFD’s establishment in Italy in 1951. 

Indeed, the International Day of Sign Languages promotes equal participation for Deaf individuals by raising awareness of communication barriers and encouraging a society where both Deaf and hearing people can communicate and participate together.