National ASL Day 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities

The history of American Sign Language spans more than two centuries. In 1815, a school for the deaf was founded in an effort to develop a language for those who cannot hear or communicate.

National ASL Day is observed annually on April 15 to honour American Sign Language. Those who cannot hear or converse use American Sign Language, typically members of the Deaf community. The universality of sign language has enabled these individuals to communicate despite language barriers. Although the written word is also a means of communication, it is awkward, lacks expression, and is time-consuming, particularly when a message must be conveyed quickly. Those who can speak and hear but need to communicate with those who cannot use American Sign Language. As a necessary step towards inclusivity, sign language is one of the official languages in some nations.

The background of National ASL Day

The history of American Sign Language spans more than two centuries. In 1815, a school for the deaf was founded in an effort to develop a language for those who cannot hear or communicate. Nonetheless, it was a primitive language at the time. Sign language evolved from the combination of multiple sign languages (still in use today), including Native American Sign Language, French Sign Language, and Martha’s Vineyard Sign Language. American Sign Language (A.S.L.) was created with the aid of these pre-existing sign languages.

Since its inception, American Sign Language has been ardently embraced across the globe. Today, ASL is utilised in Canada, throughout the United States, and even in countries in Central Africa, West Africa, and Southeast Asia. Sign language was also recognised in French colonies due to its origin and many similarities with French Sign Language.

People are now able to communicate with one another without feeling “hopeless” or “useless” as they did before the development of A.S.L. ASL has become a means of communication for individuals with a variety of speech impairments. While American Sign Language is the official sign language of news transmissions, it is also taught as a subject/module in numerous educational institutions worldwide! In terms of speech and language, the world will become more accessible and inclusive if we all acquire even a few words of American Sign Language.

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DAY OF NATIONAL ASL ACTIVITIES

Master the language

Learn American Sign Language in honour of National Sign Language Day. You can enrol in a language class or study online. Do your part to make language accessible and inclusive.

Establish a challenge

You should challenge your peers and family to learn at least 10 ASL words. On National ASL Day, you can each mime the words and ask the others to predict them, similar to charades. The challenge can be an enjoyable method of language study.

Share the news

National ASL Day should be discussed on your social media accounts. Encourage your online peers to learn American Sign Language by spreading the word about it. You can also post a video of yourself communicating with sign language to your followers!