Today is International Day of Sign Languages, and we’re looking back at efforts to communicate using signs instead of speech.


The day is organised by the United Nations and seeks to encourage people to support and protect the linguistic identity and cultural diversity of all deaf people and other sign language users.
During the 2024 celebration, the world will once again highlight the unity generated by sign languages. World leaders and other government officials are invited to sign this year’s theme “Sign up for Sign Language Rights” in their national sign language.
According to the World Federation of the Deaf, there are more than 70 million deaf people worldwide, of whom more than 80 per cent live in developing countries. Collectively, they use more than 300 different sign languages. There is also an international sign language, which is used by deaf people in international meetings and informally when travelling and socialising.
Always mindful of inclusivity, Cumbrians have been quick to embrace sign language and our main picture shows Carlisle driving instructor Philip Kilgour, who could teach by signing.

(Image: Paul Johnson)
Above is Workington bus driver Simon Thomas who, in 2010, became the first bus driver in Cumbria to pass a British Sign Language course through the Union Learning Agency.

(Image: Newsquest) (Image: Newsquest) (Image: Newsquest)

Thursby Primary School was so keen to promote signing that it started a lunchtime British Sign Language Club. Pictured in 2009 are members Hannah Young and Louise Dennis and the club being taught by Louise Dickson.

(Image: Newsquest)

At Rock the Fells in 2016, British Sign Language interpreter Rebekah Mills taught signing to Vinnie Marshal, five, Ruby Jackson, 10, Leah Mills, three, and Johan Mills, seven.

(Image: Newsquest)
Nursery supervisor Zoe Pickering taught children at Woodend Country Childcare, including Sapphire Skelton (pictured).

(Image: Newsquest)
A visit to Santa in 2011 proved educational when three-year-old Joe Douglas learned to sign ‘Father Christmas’.

(Image: Newsquest)
Our final picture shows members of the Happy Tots Day Nursery in Barrow using sign language as part of activities to mark National Deaf Awareness Week.