Language is key to fostering an inclusive society, points out Sunil Sahasrabudhe, a Mulund-based sign language expert. And while sign language is the language that the deaf community uses to communicate and express themselves, its knowledge among people who can hear can help to truly create an inclusive world for hearing-impaired persons. In tune with his claim is the 2021 theme of International Day of Sign Languages, celebrated today: “We Sign For Human Rights,” which highlights “how each of us — deaf and hearing people around the world — can work together to promote the recognition of our right to use sign languages in all areas of life.” 

Sahasrabudhe, who was born deaf  to deaf parents and has been training deaf teachers of Indian Sign Language (ISL) and hearing interpreters for over 15 years, explains that sign language is visual in nature, and has its own grammar and vocabulary. “Many people have a misconception; they mistake gestures as sign language. Just like any spoken language that has regional variations, ISL, which is used by the deaf community in India, has its own regional variations,” he shares.