By Dorcas Rumano
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) which commenced on, 17 September 2019, has proclaimed today, 23 September 2019, as the International Day of Sign Languages in order to raise awareness of the importance of sign language in the full realization of the human rights of people who are deaf.
The first International Day of Sign Languages was celebrated in 2018 under the theme, ‘With Sign Language, Everyone is Included,’ while this year’s International Day of Sign Languages is running under the theme, ‘Sign Language Rights for all.’
Posting on the United Nations (UN) website, the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres said, "This International Day recognizes the importance of sign languages for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and fulfilling its core promise of leaving no one behind. It also offers an opportunity to support and protect the linguistic identity and cultural diversity of all sign language users."
According to the World Federation of the Deaf, there are approximately 72 million deaf people worldwide, and more than 80% of them live in developing countries. Collectively, these deaf people use more than 300 different sign languages.
Locally, there are many philanthropic organisations that are evolved into unique humanitarian and act as developmental agencies in transforming the lives of people with disabilities in Zimbabwe. These institutions include the Jairos Jiri Association, Emerald Hill School for the Deaf, Danhiko School for the Disabled among others.
Also, as a way of recognising sign language in Zimbabwe, the national television, ZTV has a sign language interpreter on every news bulletin.
According to the UN website, sign languages are fully fledged natural languages, structurally distinct from the spoken languages. There is also an international sign language, which is used by deaf people in international meetings and informally when travelling and socializing.
In addition, the website notes that the convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities recognizes and promotes the use of sign languages. It makes clear that sign languages are equal in status to spoken languages and obligates states parties to facilitate the learning of sign language and promote the linguistic identity of the deaf community.
The UN’s resolution on establishing the day acknowledges that early access to sign language and services in sign language, including quality education available in sign language, is vital to the growth and development of the deaf individual and critical to the achievement of the internationally agreed development goals. It recognizes the importance of preserving sign languages as part of linguistic and cultural diversity.
