The statistics of the World Federation of the Deaf explains that there are over 70 million deaf people worldwide with more than 80% of them living in developing countries. This group of people use more than 300 different sign languages.
A sign language is a linguistic form of identity that uses gestures and signs as a means of communication by those with auditory or speaking challenges.
According to the United Nations, “Sign languages are fully fledged natural languages, structurally distinct from the spoken languages.”
They also observed that, there is also an international sign language that is used by deaf in international meetings and informally when travelling and socializing. Hence, It is considered a pidgin form of sign language that is not as complex as natural sign languages and has a limited lexicon.
The international day became a reality and a day fixed for those with hearing difficulties and impairments. On this day, the recognition that, sign language and spoken languages are equal is pronounced. Hence, the need for learning sign languages as it serves the need of promoting the linguistic identity of the Deaf.
