Sign language allows deaf people to communicate and understand, through an expression code with its own grammatical structure, what they cannot hear.
Sign language is a socially widespread expression that refers to sign language , such as the correct way to refer to the natural language of the deaf community .
This communication tool, which at the initiative of the United Nations (UN) gains visibility every September 23 as it is the International Day of Sign Languages , is essential so that those who cannot express themselves with words or hear have the chance to understand the world around them, express their desires or needs and, ultimately, be included in the daily dynamics of a society .
It should be noted that, at the international level, different sign languages govern. It is possible to distinguish, in this framework, Mexican Sign Language (LSM) and Spanish Sign Language (SSL) , to mention two specific cases. It is also enriching to keep in mind that, in Argentine territory, deaf people have as heritage, both linguistic and cultural, the so-called Argentine Sign Language (LSA), which differs from, for example, British Sign Language (BSL) and American Sign Language (ASL) .
Sign language in multiple areas
Sign language is applied in multiple areas, but there is still a lot of work to do in terms of social inclusion .
It is essential to teach this communication system to the entire population from an early age in order to facilitate interaction between individuals with and without deafness (a disorder also defined as hearing impairment or hearing loss ).
It is important to instruct and learn sign language in the educational field to naturalize it from childhood, promote socialization and demonstrate, through its knowledge and use, respect, empathy and acceptance.
The ideal would be to train children, young people and adults so that all of us, without exception, are able to communicate without limitations. Thus, it would be easier for the deaf community to feel understood and recognized in workplaces and other spaces.
Every nation has to guarantee rights . In this sense, we must not lose sight of the fact that the deaf population forms a linguistic community supported by history, traditions, identity and its own culture. It is necessary and fair to ensure, for example, that each member of this social sector has access to inclusive education with bilingual literacy .
The movement and arrangement of the hands are essential to develop and interpret the manual alphabet .
Experts in sign language interpretation , meanwhile, are essential in all types of circumstances of collective scope, although they are not always given space. It is common, to point out specific references, to appreciate the work of these specialists in broadcasting official acts of a State and in certain public events. In the case of audiovisual content, such as those broadcast on television or in cinema, subtitling is a resource of utmost importance. It should even be noted that most televisions offer a function to display subtitles on the screen when watching films and television programs.
In the development of religious meetings, artistic shows and sporting events there would always have to be someone dedicated to transmitting and interpreting sign language , a modality that would have to be mastered, mainly, by members of the security forces and the health system.
Technical aids for the deaf
Scientific research, the skills and knowledge of professionals specialized in hearing issues, and the advancement of technology make it possible for there to be more and more technical aids for the deaf .
Nowadays there is a wide variety of hearing aids accessible to many people and the quality of life of those with damage to the inner ear is improved with cochlear implants .
At the same time, there are resources, such as what is known as TTY (teletypewriter) , which have been specially designed to facilitate communication for deaf individuals . Assistive technology for the deaf includes automatic sign language translation programs and platforms that use artificial intelligence to, among other actions, teach and interpret sign language .
Hearing aids and the cochlear implant system are alternatives that improve the quality of life for a large number of people with problems and difficulties linked to their ears.
Spread of sign language
The dissemination of sign language is as important as its implementation in daily life. Learning courses in this regard must be multiplied and in each country there must be bills and regulations related to the implementation and assessment of sign language .
The informative work and actions that organizations of deaf people do to debunk myths, combat prejudices and achieve real inclusion that goes beyond politically correct speeches are enriching. Workshops, conferences and activism in all their forms contribute to knowing more about sign language users and their needs.
It is also interesting to mention that the International Week of Deaf People (developed year after year during the final stretch of each month of September), in its 2023 edition, had as its motto an expression intended to raise awareness about the right of the deaf to be understood in anytime and anywhere when communicating through sign language. It is the responsibility of all humanity, and a commitment that all human beings should take, that this need and intention of the deaf community, in the short or medium term, can be realized without limitations or exceptions.