Communication is the bridge that connects us all. Whether it’s through spoken words, written text or gestures, it’s the key to understanding and being understood. Language is the tool we use to build these bridges. From the classroom to the workplace, language is essential for sharing ideas, collaborating with others and growing as individuals.

While there are many languages we code-switch between based on the situation to convey our views, there is one crucial medium that is often overlooked despite its significance — sign language.

Spoken through hands and gestures, sign language holds a special place for the hearing-impaired worldwide. It breaks down walls of isolation and reminds us that communication is more than just words; it’s a link connecting diverse experiences and creating a world where every voice matters.

Just as we use our voices to pronounce words, people with hearing impairment use their hands, eyes and facial expressions to express themselves freely, understand information and participate in conversations without relying on hearing aids.

According to the World Federation of the Deaf, there are more than 70 million deaf people worldwide. More than 80 per cent of them live in developing countries. Collectively, they use more than 300 different sign languages.

Sign languages are fully fledged natural languages, structurally distinct from the spoken languages. There is also an international sign language, which is used by deaf people in international meetings and informally when travelling and socialising.

The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities recognises and promotes the use of sign languages. It makes clear that sign languages are equal in status to spoken languages and obligates state parties to facilitate the learning of sign language and promote the linguistic identity of the Deaf community.

The UN General Assembly has proclaimed 23 September as the International Day of Sign Languages to raise awareness of the importance of sign language in the full realisation of the human rights of people who are deaf.

So today, we are exploring the challenges faced by the hearing impaired and how we can support them, and create a more accessible and inclusive environment for each one of us.

The origin

The origins of sign language can be traced back to ancient times, when hearing-impaired individuals developed unique gestural systems to communicate with each other. These early forms of sign language evolved over centuries, influenced by cultural historical and regional factors.

It is said that Juan Pablo de Bonet published the first sign language instructional book for the deaf in 1620. The book was based on the work of Girolamo Cardano, an Italian physician, who believed that it wasn’t necessary to hear words in order to understand ideas.

The challenges

We often overlook the struggles of others until we experience them first-hand. Similarly, we are unaware of the daily challenges of people with hearing loss and how they adapt to their routines. It is important to understand that these individuals are vulnerable and that we should do everything within our capacity to make their lives easier.

Educational hurdles

Normally, schools do not provide sign language interpreters for hearing-impaired students, which leaves them to face significant challenges in traditional educational settings (if they don’t opt for specialised institutes designed for their needs only). Without interpreters or access to bilingual education, these students often struggle to follow lectures, participate in discussions and complete assignments.

Moreover, the struggles become twofold when access to textbooks, course materials and other resources is also inadequate, as these are rarely provided in sign language. Thus, this language barrier greatly affects their ability to learn, often resulting in lower grades and higher dropout rates.

Discrimination and stereotypes

No matter how educated we become, many of us still find it amusing to make fun of those who have some kind of weakness. Unfortunately, hearing-impaired students often face discrimination and negative stereotypes from those around them, including teachers, classmates and even friends. This negatively impacts their personality, self-esteem, motivation and overall academic performance.

Thus, these students may feel isolated and excluded from their peers if they lack access to effective communication tools. Without doubt, it leaves a detrimental effect on their social development and emotional well-being leaving them with feelings of frustration.

Employment barriers

Landing the perfect job can be tough for anyone, especially in times like these, but for hearing-impaired, the hurdles can get even higher. One of the reasons being the communication difficulties.

The significance of having an interpreter is often overlooked, so many employers might not be aware of how to support employees with hearing impairment, or might believe the stereotype that deafness limits a person’s ability to do the job. This can make it even harder to find a company that’s a good fit for their unique needs.

Tech is transforming communication

Thankfully, with advancements in technology and increased awareness, educational institutions and organisations are now offering online courses and resources in sign language as well. These resources provide these individuals with opportunities for learning and professional development, just like any other student.

There are various tools now easily available such as video relay services and apps like Ava or Google’s Live Transcribe. These tools have made sign language more accessible to a wider audience and facilitated better communication between hearing and hearing-impaired individuals. Another addition to accessibility to all the media is the captioning services, now mostly the movies and TV shows use subtitles. This allows these individuals to enjoy entertainment at their own pace.

The social networking sites like Facebook, Instagram, Zoom and various messengers, have made it even more easier for hearing-impaired individuals to connect with their friends, family and colleagues from around the world using sign language.

We must not forget that AI-powered tools continue to spread across the internet, they are also bringing new advancements in use of sign language. Among them are AI-based sign language translation tools, designed to connect the gap between spoken and signed languages. These tools are made to translate spoken words into sign language in real time.

In the days to come, such innovations could change the way we connect with each other, and will create a world where communication barriers dissolve effortlessly, and allow everyone to be part of the conversation.

Addressing the challenges

We are no longer cavemen; we live in a smart world where most problems can be solved quickly. Therefore, if a hearing-impaired child wants to study in a regular school, the government, school management or any relevant institution must not hinder their way. In fact they must implement inclusive practices to ensure that this minor lot of students also have equal opportunities to learn and succeed with other students, no matter their individual needs.

This includes providing sign language interpreters, offering bilingual education programmes and creating accessible learning environments to ensure that they receive the support they need to achieve their academic goals and contribute fully to society.

Why everyone should learn basic sign language?

Learning basic sign language can benefit everyone, it should not be limited to those with special needs, but it should be a common medium that everyone must know when in need to communicate. Those having sign language skills, can communicate more effectively with hearing impaired and build stronger relationships.

It will not only develop the confidence of hearing impaired to make friends and express themselves more, but other children with normal hearing will also improve communication skills, regardless of their hearing status.

Sign language is more than just a means of communication — it’s a natural and accessible way for hearing-impaired individuals to express themselves and fully engage in society. As more people recognise the importance of sign language, we move toward a more inclusive world, where everyone has the opportunity to be understood and included. Let’s celebrate this uniqueness together and create a world that is welcoming to all.

Published in Dawn, Young World, September 21st, 2024