The International Week of Deaf People 2024
In order to celebrate the International Week of Deaf People 2024, an insightful guest lecture on Indian Sign Language (ISL) was organized by the Department of English and Lexicon, the Language Club, Patna Women’s College on 26th September, 2024 in the Carmel Hall of Patna Women’s College in collaboration with the Linguistic Empowerment Cell, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi for the students of UG semester III and V, and PG semester III. The event was coordinated by Dr. Devina Krishna, Assistant Professor, Department of English, Patna Women’s College, and it took place online via Zoom, attracting a diverse group of participants, including faculty members, students, and advocates for the Deaf community.
Dr. Sandesha Rayapa, Assistant Professor, Linguistic Empowerment Cell, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi was the guest speaker.
The event began with the moderator Swati Alice Clifton, highlighting the significance of the International Week of Deaf People and the theme for the year 2024, emphasizing the importance of sign language and its role in inclusive education. The growing global recognition of sign languages as a fundamental right and the need for greater accessibility and support for Indian Sign Language was reiterated.
The guest speaker, Dr. Sandesha Rayapa, a distinguished linguist from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, with a vast expertise in linguistics and Deaf Studies conducted an engaging and informative lecture on Indian Sign Language. She started her lecture with the message that “Signs are to eyes; what words are to ears.” The session covered the historical development of Indian Sign Language, its importance in education and societal integration, and the challenges faced by the Deaf community. Dr. Rayapa also spoke about the academic advancements in ISL research and its significance within the broader field of linguistics.
She spoke about the much-needed acceptance and awareness that is required for the growth and advancement of ISL in academic as well as social contexts. The speaker also enlightened the students about the ‘Deaf Community’ and ‘Deaf culture’, and clarified that how numerous misconceptions are prevalent in the society related to sign languages. Some common misconceptions are that people consider sign languages as unnatural, or consider them as mere gestures, some think sign languages are dependent on the spoken languages and that there is a universal sign language. Dr. Sandesha Rayapa also shared some tips on how to communicate or interact directly with a deaf person and also through an interpreter.
The most engaging and interesting section of the lecture was the practical learning the signs of common terms related to greetings, phrases, alphabets, colours, numbers, etc. in Indian Sign Language. The lecture offered a deep understanding of the cultural and linguistic value of ISL.
A Q&A session followed the lecture, where participants asked meaningful questions on the prospects of teaching of sign language as part of curriculum, the role of technology in sign language education, and strategies for raising awareness about ISL in mainstream education. Dr. Sandesha Rayapa responded to each question with clarity and insight.
Before the session concluded, a group photo was taken, which was followed by the vote of thanks proposed by Stuti Lal, a student of B. A. Semester V.
The session was a great success as it created awareness about Indian Sign Language and its critical role in building a more inclusive society.
