Happy International Sign Language Day from the Haberdashery Cryptid Preserve!

Here at the Haberdashery Cryptid Preserve, we believe that communication is key, especially when it comes to understanding the wide variety of creatures that call our grounds home. While Bigfoot might not be fluent in American Sign Language (ASL), and the Mothman prefers cryptic gestures in the dead of night, understanding non-verbal communication is crucial for our researchers and keepers.

International Sign Language Day, celebrated annually on September 23rd, is a day to recognize the importance of sign languages across the world. Sign languages are complete and natural languages with their own grammar and syntax. They are used by millions of people around the world as their primary means of communication, and for many others as a secondary language.

Here at the Haberdashery Cryptid Preserve, we are committed to inclusivity for all our visitors, both human and cryptid. In fact, some of our researchers have begun to explore ways to incorporate basic ASL signs into their interactions with our non-verbal residents. While we may not be able to have a philosophical conversation with the Loch Ness Lizzie about the meaning of life, simple signs for greetings, food, and water can go a long way in building trust and understanding.

So this International Sign Language Day, we encourage you to learn a few basic signs yourself! You never know when you might encounter a friendly Sasquatch on the trail, or a grumpy goblin who just needs a cup of tea. After all, a little communication can go a long way, whether you're dealing with a human or a hairy cryptid!