International Day of Sign Languages 2023: Theme, Significance, History

As per the report of World Federation of the Deaf, there are more than 70 million deaf people living all over the world, most of who are in developing countries. Sign language provides them a way to communicate with others. There are more than 300 different sign languages but the international sign language is the one used by deaf people in international meetings and informally when traveling and socializing.

To celebrate the importance of sign language, every year, September 23 is observed as the International Day of Sign Languages. The day also commemorates the establishment of the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) in 1951.

International Day of Sign Languages 2023 Date

Below mentioned are the upcoming dates for International Day of Sign Languages for the next 5 years.

International Day of Sign Languages 2023 Overview

International Day of Sign Languages Significance

Sign language is the voice of the deaf and for the growth and development of the deaf people it is important to provide quality education in sign language. Early access to sign language including quality education in sign language is also vital for the achievement of the internationally agreed development goals. Therefore International Day of Sign Languages came into existence that recognizes the importance of preserving sign languages as part of linguistic and cultural diversity.

The International Day of Sign Languages was first celebrated in 2018 as part of the International Week of the Deaf. The first International Week of the Deaf was observed in September 1958 and is now turned into a global movement of deaf advocacy to raise awareness of the issues faced by deaf people in their everyday lives.

History of International Day of Sign Languages Observation

World Federation of the Deaf is a coalition of 135 national associations of deaf people that represents 70 million deaf people’s human rights worldwide. The federation was established in 1951 on September 23. In 2017, the WFD put forward the resolution to observe the International Day of Sign Languages to draw worldwide attention towards preservation of sign languages and deaf culture as well as realization of the human rights of deaf people.

Check: Other special days in September

The resolution, co-sponsored by 97 United Nations Member States, was adopted by consensus on 19 December 2017 and the first International Day of Sign Languages was observed on September 23 2018. The year 2023 marks sixth celebration of the day.

International Day of Sign Languages 2023 Celebrations

The International Day of Sign Languages is a day of global observation and is celebrated in different parts of the world to raise awareness about deaf people and sign language. People are encouraged on this special day to learn more about sign language and try learning the language itself. Events and shows concerned with raising awareness are organized by different government and non-government organizations and individuals are welcome to attend those events.

Fund-raisers are also hosted by many organizations and as an individual you can participate as a volunteer or a donator.

International Day of Sign Languages 2023 Theme

The World Federation of the Deaf declares the theme every year for celebrating International Day of Sign Languages.

International Day of Sign Languages 2023 Theme: “Sign Languages Unite Us!

International Day of Sign Languages 2022 Theme: Sign Languages Unite Us

In the year 2021, the theme was “We Sign For Human Rights,” highlighting on how deaf and hearing people can work together in harmony.

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