TV
International Day of Sign Languages is being observed across the globe today. The day is observed annually on September 23 every year to raise awareness of the significance of sign language creation and preservation. It aims to support the linguistic identity and cultural diversity of hearing-impaired communities and others who use them for communication.
September 23 was chosen to observe the International Day of Sign Languages as it marked the anniversary of the World Federation of the Deafs’ (WFD) formation in 1951. The day was first commemorated in 2018 as part of the International Week of the Deaf.
There are more than 70 million deaf people in the world, according to data from the WFD. More than 80 per cent of them live in developing countries. They employ more than 300 distinct sign languages collectively.
In contrast to spoken languages, sign languages are full-fledged natural languages. Deaf people also use a cosmopolitan version of sign language known as international sign language during cross-border travel and interactions.
Many people do not realise that sign languages are natural fully-fledged languages. While they may be different structurally to the spoken language, they should be given just as much credit and importance. There is also an international sign language. This is used by deaf people when they are socializing and traveling, as well as when they are in international meetings.
It is a pidgin type of sign language, which is not as complicated as natural sign language. International Day of Sign Languages celebrates all of these amazing sign languages, paying homage to the incredible difference they have made to deaf people all around the world and increasing awareness about them.
“Sign language is the best medium to teach hearing-impaired students. The teachers need to be trained in sign language properly to teach the students,” said Sanghamitra Mohapatra, Principal of Satyabhama Devi College.
“There are not many scopes and opportunities for the hearing-impaired students. We urge the government to give special focus to the development and career growth of these students,” said Mohapatra.
