5. Being together - the social importance of Culture Days

The Culture Days have held a major social importance for the deaf community, especially its younger members. New generations got a chance to learn how to better express themselves and obtain valuable skills for presenting themselves. Several active members working in the Finnish Association of the Deaf have had a history of participating in the Culture Days and also succeeding in the competitions. Key community leaders have also been otherwise active in promoting signed culture.

National celebrations have been important opportunities for meeting others and keeping in touch with people. In her opening speech for the 1969 Culture Days, Soile Hämäläinen emphasised that the interaction between deaf people is among the most important agendas for the event. During the time when sign language was forbidden in schools, the school celebrations were nothing but cumbersome speech and lip-reading. At their own events, deaf people had proper signed programmes and the opportunity to enjoy culture in their own language without the need for interpreters. In addition, deaf people had the chance to engage in dialogue on their own culture, identity and language.

The Culture Days have traditionally brought together deaf people from all around Finland. Key takeaways for the participants still include meeting others who use sign language and dialogue using their own language. Particularly during the programme intervals, participants get to dive into casual discussion or to engage in serious dialogue. For many, this is the most important benefit of the event. While advances in communication technology have helped keeping in touch with others using sign language, nothing is better than live interaction with others. The event also brings different generations together. Traditionally, the Culture Days gala evening has been an important part of the event.