Croatian Association of Sign Language Interpreters Expresses Gratitude to President Milanović for His Support in Promoting Croatian Sign Language

The President of the Republic Zoran Milanović met today with representatives of the Croatian Association of Sign Language Interpreters, the Association’s President, Nives Gotovac, and Board members, Dorijana Kavčić and Marija Šoić.

At the meeting, representatives of the Croatian Association of Sign Language Interpreters briefed President Milanović on the work and activities of the association, which was founded in 2016. The association focuses on the ongoing support, professional development, and training of interpreters by organizing numerous educational events. These efforts aim to promote and enhance not only the profession of sign language interpreters but also the recognition and affirmation of Croatian Sign Language, alongside ensuring high-quality translations.

According to the Register of Persons with Disabilities, there are approximately 19,000 deaf people in Croatia. However, most of them do not exercise their right to access information in Croatian Sign Language, despite this right being legally guaranteed. The representatives of the association pointed out that the biggest challenge lies in the fact that Croatian Sign Language is still not recognized as a fully-fledged language. In this context, they view it as highly positive that President Milanović publishes some of his public addresses in Croatian Sign Language. As a token of appreciation, they presented him with an award on behalf of the association for his contribution to raising the visibility of the Deaf community and Croatian Sign Language through his consistent efforts to ensure the translation of his addresses into Croatian Sign Language.

Sign languages use hand gestures and facial expressions to convey meaning, unlike spoken languages, which rely on speech. They are fully equivalent to other spoken natural languages, with their own grammar and lexicon.

President Milanović was accompanied by Jadranka Žarković, Adviser to the President of the Republic for Education.

PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Filip Glas