International Day of Sign Languages

International Day of Sign Languages is a global observance held annually on September 23. This day was established by the United Nations to raise awareness of the importance of sign language in the full realization of the human rights of people who are deaf. It celebrates the linguistic identity and cultural diversity of all deaf people and other sign language users, emphasizing that sign languages are fully fledged natural languages that are structurally distinct from spoken languages.

Read also about National ASL Day

History of International Day of Sign Languages

The proposal for this observance came from the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD), a federation representing 135 national associations of deaf people and approximately 70 million deaf individuals worldwide. The United Nations General Assembly adopted the resolution by consensus in December 2017, and the first official celebration took place in 2018. The date of September 23 was chosen to commemorate the day the WFD was established in 1951, marking the birth of an advocacy organization dedicated to the preservation of sign languages and Deaf culture.

The choice of date also aligns with the International Week of the Deaf, which has been celebrated since September 1958. This broader movement focuses on concerted advocacy to raise awareness of the everyday issues deaf people face. By establishing a specific UN-recognized day, the international community provided a higher level of visibility to the legal recognition of sign languages. This legal standing is reinforced by the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which recognizes sign languages as equal in status to spoken languages and obligates states to facilitate their learning. ¹

Why is International Day of Sign Languages important?

This day is vital because it highlights that sign language is not just a tool for communication, but a prerequisite for the human rights of deaf people. Early access to sign language and services, including quality education, is critical to the cognitive and social development of deaf individuals. By recognizing sign languages as natural languages, the day helps dismantle the misconception that they are mere pantomime or simple versions of spoken tongues. This recognition is essential for ensuring that deaf individuals can participate fully in all aspects of political, social, and economic life.

Furthermore, the observance protects the linguistic and cultural identity of the Deaf community. There are approximately 300 different sign languages used globally, each with its own complex grammar and vocabulary. Protecting these languages preserves a unique part of human diversity that is often at risk of being overlooked in hearing-centric societies. The day promotes the principle of “nothing about us without us,” emphasizing that Deaf communities must be involved in all policy decisions that affect their lives. This advocacy helps bridge the gap between deaf and hearing communities, fostering a more inclusive and empathetic world.

• It commemorates the 1951 founding of the World Federation of the Deaf.
• The day recognizes over 300 distinct sign languages used by 70 million people.
• It promotes sign languages as equal in status to spoken languages in law.
• Supporters use the day to advocate for early sign language access in schools.
• It highlights the role of sign language in achieving global development goals.

How to Celebrate International Day of Sign Languages

Observing this day often involves learning basic signs to make communication more inclusive. Many people start by learning the manual alphabet or simple greetings, such as “hello” and “thank you,” in their national sign language. Since sign languages are regional—for example, American Sign Language (ASL) differs significantly from British Sign Language (BSL)—it is a great time to research the specific language used in your own country. Schools and businesses frequently host workshops or bring in guest speakers from the Deaf community to share insights into their culture and linguistic heritage.

A modern tradition for this day is the “Global Leaders Challenge,” where officials and community leaders are invited to sign a message of support to show solidarity. Many public landmarks and official buildings are illuminated in blue light, the signature color of the World Federation of the Deaf, to signify a commitment to deaf rights. People can also participate by supporting Deaf creators, watching films featuring deaf actors, or sharing educational resources on social media. These actions help normalize the presence of sign language in public spaces and encourage a society where everyone can communicate without barriers.

• Learn to sign your name and basic greetings in your national sign language.
• Research the history and unique grammar of the sign language used in your region.
• Support the “Blue Light” initiative by wearing blue or sharing photos of lit landmarks.
• Watch a documentary or film produced by Deaf artists to learn about their culture.
• Advocate for the inclusion of sign language interpreters at public events and meetings.

International Day of Sign Languages Dates Table

1. https://www.un.org/en/observances/sign-languages-day[↩]