39C3

Chaos Communication Congress (C3) is a major annual gathering for people passionate about technology, cybersecurity, free culture, and creativity. Since 1984, it has taken place in Germany and initially used mostly German, then English to facilitate international communication.

Today, thanks to International Sign (IS), everyone—deaf or hearing—can fully participate. IS makes exchanges open, accessible, and equal, allowing people to overcome language barriers and collaborate easily.

Did you know there are over 300 sign languages in the world, some existing for more than 5,000 years? IS has been used for several decades by the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) and the Deaflympics Games (ICSD). Traditionally, these organizations imposed a hierarchy, but today IS allows a holarchy, where everyone has a place and communication is shared and equal.

A big question arises: why choose English instead of International Sign? English was adopted to facilitate communication among hearing participants worldwide. But International Sign allows us to connect deaf and hearing people in a more universal way, opening a space for equal sharing and helping to prevent ignorance about deaf cultures and their languages.

At 39C3, IS helps connect diverse cultures: hack, free, maker, and deaf, fostering creativity, collaboration, and innovation.

Our project, Nest of Sign Language at House of Tea, offers workshops where participants can practice International Sign (IS), German Sign Language (DGS), Austrian Sign Language (OGS), French Sign Language (LSF), British Sign Language (BSL), American Sign Language (ASL), and more, as well as create, share, and connect in a friendly and inspiring environment. Some IS interpreters are certified, but will they be present at 40C3? Conferences and workshops become opportunities to learn, share, and dream together, regardless of language or background.