These days, there’s always something special to celebrate every day. I often find myself thinking: ‘Another special day already.’ But I’ll make an exception for 23 September. Because that’s International Sign Language Day.
Sign Language Day has been around since 1958. I only discovered it twenty years ago, when I met a deaf person for the first time (!). After that, I got to know more deaf people in Nunspeet. At first, I found it daunting to strike up a conversation with them, but fortunately the deaf people weren’t afraid of me and so they helped me get over my initial hesitation. They introduced me to their culture and language, Dutch Sign Language (NGT). I felt welcome and learnt to sign their language.
The longer I spend time in the deaf community, the more I realise that their visual way of communicating is enriching – even for hearing people! That is why, in my work as a sign language minister, I am committed to bringing deaf and hearing people together. I recently led a church service attended by both deaf and hearing people. After the service, many hearing people told me how deeply moved they had been by the visual nature of the service! It brought the message closer to their hearts.
Because deaf people form a small minority, they are easily overlooked. This is a loss for the Netherlands and, therefore, for the churches too. When the Holy Spirit was poured out after Jesus’ return to heaven, it became clear that this Spirit speaks all (!) languages. For the Gospel is intended for all people. In this way, God makes known to everyone the great and good things He does.
It took a long time, but five years ago Dutch Sign Language was finally recognised by law. That is why we are celebrating the first anniversary of Dutch Sign Language this year. Meanwhile, the Dutch Sign Language Bible Foundation is working hard on the translation of the The Bible in NGT.
I hope you now have a clear understanding of deaf people, their language and their culture. They deserve it, and it enriches us all.
Rev. Martin Visser
pastor deaf chaplaincy, Christian Reformed Churches
and Interdenominational Deaf Chaplaincy
