Int'l Day of Sign Languages being observed today

The International Day of Sign Languages is being observed today (Thursday), aiming to support and protect the linguistic identity of people who are deaf along with other users of sign languages.

This year’s theme is ‘We Sign For Human Rights’ projecting—how each of us – deaf and hearing people around the world can work together hand in hand to promote the recognition of our right to use sign languages in all areas of life.

Thursday's International Day of Sign Languages highlights the importance of sign language for the human rights of deaf people.

Find out more: https://t.co/GnYPsqxYtM pic.twitter.com/GBAKPBDbI4

— United Nations (@UN) September 23, 2021

According to the United Nations (UN), the day was first celebrated in the year 2018 as part of the International Week of the Deaf.

The UN also shared acclaimed K-POP sensation BTS's short clip—using sign language while dancing on their recently released song 'Permission to Dance'.

"I hope we can fill each of our days to the brim with positive energy. We thought the world had stopped, but it continues to move forward."

-- @BTS_twt shared their message of hope for a better future for all. Join them in supporting the #GlobalGoals: https://t.co/hKdCXOxAbs pic.twitter.com/Cr8dRa2bCV

— United Nations (@UN) September 23, 2021

As per World Federation of the Deaf (WFD), there are over 70 million deaf people across the globe and 80% of these are from developing countries. Collectively, over 300 different sign languages are being used.

“The choice of 23 September commemorates the date that the WFD was established in 1951,” the UN said on its website.

The day also obligates states to facilitate the learning of sign languages and promote the linguistic identity of deaf people.

Sign Languages

Sign languages are the ones that use visual-manual modality to convey the meaning.

The UN describes sign languages as full-fledged natural languages, structurally distinct from spoken languages.

 “Systems of morals are only a sign-language of the emotions”, Friedrich Nietzsche