International Day of Sign Languages: What is it all about?

Each year on 23 September people celebrate the International Day of Sign Languages, to recognise the importance of sign languages around the world.

The aim of the special day is to remind big companies, worldwide organisations and global governments of the importance and significance of sign languages.

According to the World Federation of the Deaf, there are approximately 72 million deaf people worldwide.

There are over 300 different sign languages and over 70,000 deaf people in the UK have British Sign Language as their first language.

The want to encourage schools to teach sign language as part of the curriculum in order to make sure nobody is left out.

What are the most common forms of sign language in the UK?

British Sign Language (BSL)

British Sign Language is an official British language used mainly by people who are deaf or experience hearing problems.

It's a visual way of communicating using your hands, facial expression, and body language.

Sign Supported English

Sign Supported English is similar to BSL but the person would sign in the order they would speak the words.

Makaton

If someone is communicating using Makaton, you may hear them speaking out loud and see them signing at the same time.

Makaton is used by CBeebies star Justin Fletcher in his show Something Special with Mr Tumble.