Nanjing, China -September 22nd marks the 67th International Day of the Deaf. To commemorate this occasion, Nanjing City hosted its fourth annual Sign Language Festival and the grand opening of the city’s Sign Language Museum on September 21st. This landmark museum holds the distinction of being the first of its kind in China.
The museum, located at the Nanjing School for the Deaf, boasts acollection of over 4,000 artifacts, meticulously gathered from over 80 institutions and individuals both within China and abroad. These artifacts offer a comprehensive glimpse into the history and evolution of sign language, showcasing its journey from rudimentary beginnings to astandardized and widely recognized form of communication.
Among the museum’s most prized possessions is the first edition of the Outline of Deaf Sign Language, a foundational text that laid the groundwork for standardized sign language in China. The museum also features aSign Language Digital Human, a cutting-edge technology that enables real-time translation between spoken language and sign language.
The museum’s collection provides a rich tapestry of sign language history, from its early development to its current status as a recognized language, said Chen Yuanqing, Party Secretary of the Nanjing School for theDeaf and Director of the Sign Language Museum. It showcases the evolution of sign language, from complex gestures to simplified movements, from limited vocabulary to a rich and diverse lexicon, and from regional variations to a national standard.
Globally, an estimated 72 million individuals are deaf, utilizing over 300 differentsign languages. In China, approximately 27.8 million people experience hearing impairments. Chen Yuanqing highlighted the significant progress made in China’s sign language, noting its transformation from a fragmented system to a standardized language with a defined vocabulary, grammar, and syntax.
Sign language has become a distinct academic discipline, withits own research methodologies and knowledge base, Chen Yuanqing explained. As China’s first public special education school, the Nanjing School for the Deaf has always prioritized sign language education and has made significant contributions to its research and development.
The museum’s establishment is a testament to the school’s dedication to promotingsign language education and research. The school initiated the collection of sign language materials in September 2023, laying the foundation for the museum’s creation.
The Sign Language Museum will continue to expand its collection, aiming to become a comprehensive resource for understanding the origins, development, and cultural significance of signlanguage, Chen Yuanqing stated. It will serve as a platform for communication and collaboration among deaf education institutions across China.
In addition to the museum’s opening, the Nanjing Sign Language Institute was also inaugurated during the festival. The institute will play a crucial role in advancing sign language research and development. Simultaneously, theNational Standard Sign Language for Daily Teaching in Deaf Schools (Trial) was released, providing valuable resources for sign language instruction and research in deaf education institutions nationwide.
The opening of China’s first Sign Language Museum marks a significant milestone in promoting inclusivity and understanding of the deaf community. The museum’s collection andinitiatives will serve as a valuable resource for both the deaf community and the general public, fostering greater awareness and appreciation for sign language and its vital role in communication and cultural expression.
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