By Christina Savopoulos
In a world where communication is the centre of human connection, International Day of Sign Languages offers an opportunity to appreciate and recognise the many ways people connect. Falling on Tuesday 23rd September, within International Week of the Deaf, this day highlights the many sign languages used around the world.
Melbourne-born actress Yiana Pandelis was diagnosed with being hard of hearing at two years old. The Greek Herald sat down with Yiana to hear her story and how using sign language has shaped her identity and creative practice.
Remembering stories from her childhood, Yiana said, “I was told I was a very vocal child growing up – I always wanted to communicate and express myself using my voice.”
Yiana first learnt Auslan (Australian Sign Language) for her debut feature film Unsound. After moving to Los Angeles, she began using American Sign Language (ASL).
Speaking about first learning sign language, she shared, “I absolutely loved the experience. In fact, I wish everyone knew sign language – it’s such a useful skill in so many situations, whether you’re in a loud environment or trying to communicate from a distance without yelling.”
She continued, “Surprisingly, I was able to pick it up really quickly – maybe because, in a way, it feels like it’s in my blood. I think that’s true for many Deaf and hard of hearing people; there’s an instinctive connection to visual communication.”
She wonders what life would’ve been like in the 1800s before any modern-day technology. “In that world, sign language wouldn’t just be an option – it would’ve been the only way to communicate.”
Transitioning between Auslan and ASL required a lot of patience and practice from Yiana. “At first, it was really challenging – some of the signs are similar but have different meanings, and for a while I found myself mixing the two.” Now, Yiana has “learned to compartmentalise and keep them separate.”
Film has always been part of Yiana’s life and led to her love of storytelling and acting.
“I’ve never told my dad this, but his love of Westerns had a big impact on me. He once showed me a film with Steve McQueen and talked about his on-screen presence. I was mesmerised by the way he moved – his specificity, his quiet intensity. He had so much humanity in his performance,” she said.
Yiana’s fascination with body language and human behaviour has merged with her talent as an actress. So many emotions and stories can be conveyed visually, and Yiana appreciates the role the Deaf community plays in film.
“I strive to be a character actor, someone who dives deep into different roles with honesty and storytelling at the core. I’m especially passionate about seeing more Deaf representation on screen – and more characters who use sign language,” she said.
For Yiana, International Day of Sign Languages “is a celebration, not just of the language, but of the culture behind it. Sign language is such a beautiful form of communication.”
She finds these beautiful moments when signing with her close friend Nathan Borg. “When he and I sing to each other, it feels special. We share a similar journey – both born and raised in a hearing world, and both learning sign language later in life. We’ve come so far together, and it’s opened up connections with so many others around the world.”
Sign language has allowed Yiana to connect with other Deaf individuals who understand her journey, and she has also embraced using sign language in her acting. “It’s such a unique way of performing – so physical, yet feeling in tune with your body in a different way. It demands a rich internal life, and I really enjoy that process of discovery,” she said.
Yiana hopes that those unfamiliar with the Deaf community, especially within Greek Australian culture, take a moment to “listen, learn, and create space for Deaf voices within all cultures”.
International Day of Sign Languages lets us see ways to communicate beyond spoken language. This Tuesday 23rd September, try learning a sentence in Auslan or attend a Deaf community event to appreciate the dynamic and expressive style of sign language.
