The beauty and significance of sign language were promoted through performances at yesterday’s “Sign the Music” event at the Saint Paul School auditorium, which saw around 400 attendees and over 120 performers from teams from both Macau and the Chinese mainland
The event, organised by the Macau Deaf Association (MDA) with venue support from the well-known school, was held in celebration of both the United Nations’ “International Day of Sign Languages”, which is designated on September 23, and the International Week of Deaf People that takes place from September 21 to 27.
All events, including yesterday’s performances, was held in line with this year’s theme “Declaring deaf people’s human rights”.
Supported by 11 entities, “Sign the Music” saw attendees treated to 13 sign language performances accompanied by music, in a show of lights and colourfully dynamic music videos under a cheerful atmosphere. The performers, according to information from the organisers, also included those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Aside from performances, the event also saw the launch of the co-created theme song with the Macau Association of Composers, Authors & Publishers (MACA), along with its music video. Game booths and photo spots were also set up outside the venue for participants.
Meanwhile, according to yesterday’s statement by the association, which turns 32 this year, sign language goes beyond communication, being “a cultural vessel and identity symbol for the Deaf community”, while also pointing out the group’s efforts such as strengthening educational resources, promoting sign language, and the hosting inclusive events.
“We hope the public will not only learn sign language but also actively use this language of the Deaf community”, the group said.
Children deliver a performance during yesterday’s “Sign the Music” event at Saint Paul School. – Photo: Rui Pastorin
Members of the audience show their support during a performance yesterday.
