Published: 12:47 AM, 26 September 2026
International Day of Sign Languages: History, Heritage, Evolution, Significance and the Way Forward
Dr. Md. Anwar Hossain
At the dawn of human civilization, before spoken language emerged, humans expressed their innermost thoughts through gestures. Language first took shape effortlessly through the hand movements and bodily gestures of early cave dwellers. Over time, alongside the evolution of society, sign language has assumed a unique and comprehensive form across the globe. For the speech and hearing impaired, it is not merely an artificial system of signals but a fluid, natural language.
Sign language is primarily used by deaf and hearing-impaired individuals for communication. Additionally, many hearing people—including their families and those in their communities—are proficient in sign language. There are more than 300 distinct sign languages in use worldwide.
Anthropologists firmly believe that sign language originated before the advent of spoken language. Early humans utilized various hand signals to communicate with one another for the purposes of hunting and survival. As civilization progressed, these signals began to evolve into a well-established system with specific structures and grammatical rules.
In the history of formal education, the Spanish educator Pedro Ponce de León was the first to teach sign language to the deaf during the 16th century. Later, in 1760, the French teacher Charles-Michel de l'Épée established the first school for the deaf in Paris. He played a pivotal role in systematizing sign language and elevating it to the status of a formal language.
Sign language is not merely a means of communication; it embodies the rich and proud heritage of Deaf culture. It possesses a profound tradition encompassing its own grammar, idioms, social norms, and aesthetic expressions. Regional variations in the language help reflect the distinct identities of deaf communities.
Over time, significant evolution and modernization have been observed in the structural frameworks of sign languages worldwide. For instance, American Sign Language and British Sign Language have developed as completely distinct languages, evolving separately from French Sign Language. Thanks to modern technology and mass media, sign language has now acquired a new, dynamic form.
Various age-old superstitions and baseless misconceptions regarding sign language remain deeply rooted in society. Many believe that sign language is not a complete language but merely a series of simple hand gestures. Others misinterpret it as a distorted or inferior version of spoken language.
According to the World Federation of the Deaf, more than 70 million people with hearing and speech impairments worldwide use sign language. An analysis of data by continent reveals that a vast deaf population across Asia communicates using sign language. In this continent, approximately 15 million people regularly use Indo-Pakistani Sign Language; in terms of demographics, this represents nearly 0.15 percent of the total population.
In European countries, the institutional practice of sign language is ancient and historically rich. Approximately 0.16 percent of Europe's total population uses sign language, with various surveys indicating a deaf population of around 1.2 million in the region.
In North America, American Sign Language (ASL) is a major and popular medium of communication. About 2 million people on the continent regularly exchange ideas through this beautiful visual language, representing approximately 0.50 percent of the region's total population.
In South America, approximately 3 million people maintain social connections through sign language. Statistically, this accounts for about 0.70 percent of the continent's total population.
Diverse uses of sign language are observed across Africa, particularly in Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, and Egypt. About 5 million people in Africa use various regional sign languages to express themselves, a figure representing approximately 0.40 percent of the region's total population.
Among the countries of Oceania, Australia and New Zealand teach sign language using highly modern methods. In this island continent, approximately 50,000 people regularly use sign language for their daily activities. Statistically, this represents only about 0.12 percent of Oceania's total population.
In Bangladesh, Bangla Sign Language is the primary means of communication for the hearing and speech-impaired community. National Bangla Sign Language Day is observed with due significance in the country every year on February 7th. Approximately 1.5 million people in Bangladesh rely—either fully or partially—on this language in their daily lives; this figure accounts for nearly 0.90 percent of the country's total population.
Listening attentively to those who communicate via sign language is a profound humanitarian responsibility. When we pay attention to them, they feel included in the mainstream of society. Such attention helps alleviate their sense of loneliness and social isolation.
A deep emotional bond is forged when we attentively observe the gestures of deaf individuals. When we sincerely comprehend their expressions and hand movements, they feel safe, valued, and mentally uplifted. Such genuine interaction dispels their inner grievances and frustrations, significantly boosting their self-confidence.
Attentively understanding sign language is a crucial step toward ensuring social equality and inclusion. It facilitates the participation of speech-impaired individuals across all levels of society, making it easier and more comfortable for them. Social disparity diminishes when the general public understands the language of the deaf.
Listening seriously to deaf individuals fosters their psychological well-being. Freed from feelings of inferiority, they find the courage to showcase their talents. While neglect erodes mental strength, attentive listening inspires new dreams; thus, valuing their language is essential for their psychological health.
Paying close attention to sign language eliminates misunderstandings and enables accurate communication. It builds a strong bridge of communication between the deaf community and the general public. Effective communication is key to maintaining peace and order throughout society.
Respecting deaf culture begins with truly valuing their language. Attentively engaging with sign language reveals its inherent aesthetic beauty. This cultural diversity enriches human civilization, making it more beautiful and compelling.
Listening to and attempting to understand sign language is a fundamental human right for the deaf. The UN Charter explicitly guarantees the linguistic rights of persons with disabilities; therefore, understanding their language attentively is both a legal and moral obligation.
The Government of Bangladesh should significantly increase budget allocations for the education and welfare of the deaf community. Sign language interpreters could be appointed in every government office and hospital, and sign language could be incorporated into the educational curriculum. Furthermore, employment quotas for the deaf should be strictly enforced through legal safeguards. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting should make sign language interpretation mandatory in television news broadcasts. The Department of Social Services needs to increase the number of modern training centers for the deaf. Deaf-friendly digital booths could be established to facilitate public services. Regular awareness programs highlighting the importance of sign language could be aired in the media.
Local communities should always treat deaf neighbors with empathy and cooperation. They should be respectfully invited to neighborhood social and cultural events. Any form of mockery or neglect towards deaf individuals must be prevented.
Instead of viewing a deaf child as a burden, they should be provided with a proper education. Their opinions should be seriously considered in all family decision-making processes. Family members need to spend quality time with them regularly to provide emotional support.
An inclusive, disability-friendly educational environment must be created in every school and university across the country. Short-term courses on basic sign language could be introduced for general students. Special training could be arranged to equip teachers with sign language skills. Scholarship programs must be established for deaf students.
Employers in the private and corporate sectors could prioritize the employment of deaf individuals. It is crucial to create suitable working environments that align with their talents and qualifications.
Social workers, NGOs, and the conscious public must raise their voices to advocate for the rights of the deaf. Free mobile apps could be developed to promote and disseminate sign language. Regular national and international sports competitions could be organized for deaf athletes.
In 2017, the United Nations recognized September 23rd as the International Day of Sign Languages. The theme for the 2026 International Day of Sign Languages is "Affirming the Human Rights of Deaf People." This core theme serves as a powerful call to ensure the legal and social rights of the deaf community worldwide.
Countless unspoken, heartfelt messages bloom upon silent lips; the profound glory of the heart lies hidden within the fingers.
Look for a moment into the depths of their eyes, my friend; there, an immortal poem of love is written. Listen to the song of these voiceless people—not with your ears, but with your heart; for the language of gestures alone can breathe a new spirit of equality into our lives. Let us join hands and bridge the divides that separate us.
Sign language is a visual means of communication used by millions of people around the world, particularly by people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Instead of relying on spoken words, sign languages use hand movements, facial expressions, body positions, and gestures to express ideas, emotions, and information.
Sign language is not a universal language. Different countries and communities have developed their own sign languages, with distinct vocabularies and grammatical structures. For example, American Sign Language is different from British Sign Language, just as Bangla Sign Language has its own characteristics.
Sign language plays an important role in education, employment, family life, and social communication. Children who are deaf can use it to communicate effectively with their families, teachers, and classmates. Learning sign language can also help hearing people communicate with deaf individuals and build more inclusive communities.
In Bangladesh, greater awareness and wider use of Bangla Sign Language can help improve access to education, health care, public services, and employment for people with hearing disabilities. Schools, universities, hospitals, government offices, and media organizations can contribute by providing trained interpreters and accessible communication.
Sign language should be recognized not as a limitation but as a valuable language. Promoting it can reduce communication barriers, protect equal rights, and ensure that deaf and hard-of-hearing people can participate fully in society. An inclusive society is one where everyone has the opportunity to communicate, learn, work, and live with dignity.
In conclusion, I would like to state that sign language is the heartbeat and the sole fundamental medium of self-expression for the deaf and speech-impaired. It is the moral and humanitarian duty of us all to accord it the highest level of dignity and recognition—both at the state and societal levels—rather than treating it with indifference.
Dr. Md. Anwar Hossain is an
essayist and an anti-alcohol
campaigner. He can be reached
