"On behalf of the SINOSZ we would like to invite you to this International Conference and Festival. Without sign language and culture I am like a bird without wings” Signmark, 19 - 20 September 2008, from 10:00 to 14:30, at Gödör Klub, 5th District, Erzsébet tér, Budapest.International Deaf Day 2008 SINOSZ are planning to celebrate with the aim to call on the Hungarian Government to oblige and recognize the Hungarian sign language as an official language, -which will guarantee the basic human rights of all Deaf in education, communication access, and employment -and grow recognition and awareness of the “invisible culture”.
On the occasion of this outstanding event, SINOSZ would like to support the desired paradigm shift and encourage the cross-border co-operation of Deaf communities as well as partner dialogue with the players of the majority culture. The presentation of Deaf culture, shaping the attitude and awareness of the majority society, sensitisation of the media and strengthening of civil society’s awareness.
Several European countries already legally recognise sign language. Recognition is the first step to effective inclusion and meaningful citizenship of the Deaf community. The conditions of exercising democratic rights cannot be achieved without this.
Unfortunately, the Hungarian decision makers still have not recognised the human, linguistic and cultural rights of Deaf citizens legislatively. The lack of official recognition proves the lack of awareness of legislators, decision makers and society at large. They do not know or do not realise that their fellow Deaf citizens have a right to use sign language in all areas of life.
The Republic of Hungary signed the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in New York on 30 March 2007 and ratified it on 20 July 2007. The mission of the Convention is to provide efficient protection of the right of persons with disabilities in all areas of life. This Convention acknowledges sign language, Deaf culture, linguistic and cultural identity, quality education in sign language, the raison d’être of sign language interpretation as well as the acceptance and promotion of sign language use.
Despite that the number of sign language users amounts to several thousands (9 thousand Deaf and several hundreds of thousands hard of hearing and hearing people who use sign language) they are not highlighted in the cultural map due to the dominance of hearing culture. They have an “invisible culture” to be protected as a minority language, because it is a part of our cultural heritage.
The first important stage of the active participation of the Deaf community is the exploration of the values of Deaf Culture and the presentation thereof to the larger diverse groups of society. This intention is realised in the course of the two days planned.
The working language of the conference is English, International and Hungarian sign language. Attendance of the conference is free of charge."
Source: SINOSZ
12.09.2008