Sign Language Interpreter Day in Russia

October 31 is Sign Language Interpreter Day in Russia, and it has been celebrated since 2003. However, over the decades of its existence, the holiday has not become widely known, and this suggests that insufficient attention is paid to this problem in the country. Thus, in Finland there are three hundred specialists per thousand deaf-mute people, and in Russia their number is tens of times less. Perhaps the popularization of this holiday can change the situation for the better. At the very beginning of 2003, the date was established by law, and the initiative was taken by the All-Russian Society of the Deaf (VOG). Sign language interpreters are needed not only for comfortable communication. Sometimes, they are simply vital for people when it comes, for example, to communicating with law enforcement agencies and courts. Only a certified specialist whose knowledge has been confirmed in practice has the right to represent the legitimate interests of such a person in court and other authorities. Unfortunately, there are really few such specialists today. Traditionally, on this day it is customary to popularize this profession, as well as tell people about how to become sign language interpreters and what qualities are required from a person. By the way, such specialists first began to appear under Peter the Great. The Russian sovereign, as you know, modernized many areas, including this industry. Big changes affected, in particular, the standards of training of translators or sign language interpreters, who in those days were called “readers”. Yes, learning these skills requires diligence, attentiveness, and good memory. However, such a profession is by no means considered highly paid. Perhaps this explains the huge shortage of personnel, although recently there are hopes for an improvement in the situation. Very often, master classes are held on October 31, where specialists share their experience and talk about interesting cases from practice. In addition, institutions where sign language interpreters are trained conduct excursions and open days to attract those wishing to acquire this specialty. But it’s worth taking a broader look at this date. On October 31, it is customary to pay increased attention not only to hard of hearing, deaf, and deaf-mute people, but also to all disabled people in general. Often, private donors or companies, business representatives mark October 31 with events and promotions aimed at supporting both deaf people and people with disabilities in general. On October 31, some organizations provide special benefits for hearing-impaired people to visit public places. Museums and theaters open their doors, and events dedicated to the date are held. Also, sign language interpreters compete in professionalism, participate in competitions and competitions. The VOG organization itself was created back in 1926 on the initiative of the Soviet government. Then it was called the All-Union Society of the Deaf, but with the collapse of the USSR the traditions were preserved. Of course, the history of the profession is rooted deep in time. In addition to Peter, the Russian Empress Catherine II also made a significant contribution, who invited specialists from Europe to train deaf-mute subjects, their children and family members. Unfortunately, the specifics of the profession are such that the language of the deaf has not become universal in all countries. It cannot be compared, for example, with Esperanto, although both of these languages ​​were created artificially and pursue the goal of unhindered communication between people with different linguistic skills. Sign language interpreters working in one country may not always be competent when working with disabled people and people with disabilities from other countries. Of course, there are some similarities, but there is a large layer of gestures, the meaning of which is interpreted differently in different countries. Gradually, sign language interpreter day is becoming more popular, supported by media coverage, so there is hope that the profession will become more respected and prestigious over time.