Listening with your eyes, a phrase which beautifully encapsulates the idea of listening not being confined to only hearing words, but understanding them through sight. This might sound unusual to us but, this has been a way of life for the millions of deaf people around the world, for whom words can't be heard, but seen. Seen through human expressions, actions, and especially sign languages. Sign language, being their superpower, is the unique linguistic identity of the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. What's fascinating is that these sign languages are not mere hand gestures, or 'English on hands' as often misunderstood, but are independent languages with their own grammar, sentence structures, vocabulary, and culture which is passed on from generations. With millions of users worldwide and over 300 different sign languages, including ISL (Indian Sign Language), which not only opens doors for communication with the nearby, but connects all over the globe.
In 2017, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 23rd September as the 'International Day of Sign Languages', a day for awareness towards the human rights of the deaf, such as equal access to public services, education, and employment. A global celebration which encourages inclusion of sign languages in all areas of life, and ensures that they get the same opportunities as everyone, and can participate fully in the society. I believe, examples like cafés in India such as Echoes, employ only deaf staff, where customers place orders using sign language and placards, shows that such inclusive spaces break communication barriers leading to their empowerment, and of the society.
Across the globe, International Day of Sign Languages is celebrated through cultural programmes and awareness campaigns. Each year a new theme is announced, and the theme for this year, 2025 is “No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights”. Which for me highlights something very powerful, the foundation of equality for the deaf lies in ensuring their right to communicate in sign language and their human right towards inclusion and participation in all aspects of life.
We can recognize its significance clearly as 90% of the deaf children are born to hearing parents, creating communication barriers between the child and their parents. In such cases, sign languages become a bridge between the both of them, which makes the children feel understood and included. I think here we, the hearing community, can play a role too. Organizations like the National Association of the Deaf (India) and the World Federation of the Deaf host campaigns to narrow these gaps by promoting inclusive policies and interpreter training. There are also several community events held which invite both the deaf and hearing community to come together and join hands. Personally, this day is a reminder that we all can contribute by learning a few basic hand signs, supporting the deaf-inclusive policies, promoting inclusivity in schools, workplaces, and treating them as equals. It is only then we could build a world where everybody can express and connect, be it with hearing or with sight.
-Radhika Bhonsle
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