International Day of Sign Languages
By Sharon Schweitzer
The International Day of Sign Languages is celebrated on September 23rd by the United Nations. It is commemorated on this day since the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) was founded on this day in 1951, as a result of efforts by the WFD in 2017. Every year the day has a new theme. The theme for 2024 will focus on highlighting the unity that sign languages create.
Did you know there are around 72 million deaf individuals in the world? The World Federation of the Deaf provided this data. Over 300 distinct sign languages are used by these people together. Many people are unaware that sign languages are natural languages in their own right. In addition, there is an international sign language. Deaf individuals utilize this when mingling, traveling, and attending international meetings.
Sign languages are visual languages that transmit messages. It is unknown how many of these languages exist on the globe. In general, each country has its own sign language. Some countries, in fact, have more than one. These languages have been used by deaf people throughout history. In reality, Plato’s Cratylus, published in the 15th century BC, has one of the oldest recorded accounts of sign language.
Not much was known about historical sign languages until the 19th century. The data was restricted to fingerspelling systems, often known as manual alphabets. These were created to translate words from a spoken language to a sign language. Pedro Ponce de Leon is considered to have invented the first manual alphabet.
Pidgin Signed English (PSE) or Signed English is the most widely used sign language among deaf people in the United States. The vocabulary is derived from American Sign Language (ASL), although it is presented in English word order.
With schools and universities in the United States recognizing ASL as a foreign language, and more students than ever undertaking ASL coursework, it is important to keep in mind ethnocentric assumptions that can be carried with interpreters abroad. Translators can make a difference by learning indigenous signs and researching the meaning behind native-spoken language terms rather than inventing signs for objects, events, and places or spelling the English names for objects.
The International Day of Sign Languages is a unique opportunity to support and protect the linguistic identity and cultural diversity of all deaf people and other sign language users.Deaf communities, governments and civil society organizations maintain their collective efforts – hand in hand – in fostering, promoting and recognizing national sign languages as part of their countries’ vibrant and diverse linguistic landscapes.
Photo by www.news18.com/news/lifestyle/
Sharon Schweitzer JD, is a diversity and inclusion consultant, cross-cultural trainer, etiquette expert, and the founder of Access to Culture. In addition to her accreditation in intercultural management from the HOFSTEDE Centre, she is an attorney and mediator. Sharon served as a Chinese Ceremonial Dining Etiquette Specialist in the documentary series Confucius was a Foodie, on Nat Geo People. Her Amazon #1 Best Selling book in International Business, Access to Asia: Your Multicultural Business Guide, won a coveted Kirkus Star, and was named to Kirkus Reviews’ Best Books. She’s a winner of numerous awards, including the British Airways International Trade Award at the Greater Austin Business Awards.
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