International Day of Sign Languages 2022 Says – Sign Language Unite Us

International Day of Sign Languages 2022: There are more than 7.2 Crore deaf people around the world. They need to use sign language to communicate.

Every year on 23rd September, the International Day of Sign Languages is observed to encourage the growth and provision of sign language. 

People who have trouble hearing can communicate by using sign language. As the name implies, this day strives to raise awareness about the value of sign language in the realization of deaf people’s human rights. 

Thus, it was resolved by the UN General Assembly to recognize this date as the International Day of Sign Languages.

History of International Day Of Sign Languages

The World Federation of the Deaf proposed observing the International Day of Sign Languages (WFD). The WFD is a union of 135 national organizations for the deaf. The federation speaks for almost 70 million deaf persons worldwide.

In 2018, the first International Day of Sign Languages was observed as part of the International Week of the Deaf, which began in September 1958 and is observed from September 24 to September 30. 

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Since then, September 23 has been designated as National Day. The 5th anniversary of the International Day of Sign Languages is this year.

Significance of International Day Of Sign Languages

Visual languages, such as sign languages, employ gestures or symbols to convey messages. Each nation has its own distinct sign language; for instance, 

• India has its own sign language.
• The US uses American sign language,
• whereas the UK uses British sign language.

The significance of safeguarding this form of communication for the deaf is highlighted by the International Day of Sign Language.

The day serves as a platform for the growth of sign language. It also emphasizes the accomplishments related to the internationally recognized development objectives.

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Theme of International Day Of Sign Languages 2022

“Sign Language Unite Us” is the subject of this year’s International Day of Sign Languages 2022. The federation requested that all national leaders sign the phrase “Sign Languages Unite Us!” in their respective national sign language, whether they be presidents, prime ministers, or other members of the executive branch of government.