Lifelong Advocate Gu Yushan Honored with Inaugural Taiwan Sign Language Award

Gu Yushan, affectionately known as "Dad Gu" within the deaf community, has been honored with the first Taiwan Sign Language Contribution Award. The award recognizes his extensive work in preserving, passing down, and institutionalizing Taiwan's sign language. Gu, who became hearing impaired in childhood, navigated numerous educational and employment hurdles, which fueled his commitment to advancing deaf rights and social equality.

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This award is not my personal honor; I want to share it with all deaf friends, so we can all share the glory together.

His advocacy began early. In 1977, he co-founded the Taipei Deaf Drama Group, serving as its director. He later established the Deaf Sign Language Research Association and the Deaf Association. Through these organizations, he has championed deaf culture and language equality, making significant contributions to sign language education, cultural preservation, and public awareness.

Gu shared that receiving the award from the Ministry of Culture was deeply moving. He recalled the limited opportunities for deaf individuals during Taiwan's martial law era, making his journey particularly arduous. This past hardship strengthened his resolve to fight for deaf rights. He noted regional variations in sign language across Taiwan, comparing them to different dialects, with examples like the distinct ways "thank you" is signed in northern and southern Taiwan.

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Don't feel you have to rely on others; we can make our own decisions and accomplish our own tasks.

He also spoke about breaking down societal stereotypes through the deaf drama group, demonstrating that deaf individuals can act and enriching public understanding of deaf culture. His efforts to teach sign language in universities attracted many students, contributing to the gradual establishment of sign language interpreter training programs. Gu emphasized that sign language is more than a communication tool; it embodies culture and identity. He hopes his work encourages younger generations to learn sign language and embrace deaf culture, fostering a more inclusive environment. He urged deaf individuals to maintain self-reliance, believing in their capacity to direct their own lives. "Don't feel you have to rely on others; we can make our own decisions and accomplish our own tasks," Gu stated, dedicating the award to all deaf friends in Taiwan, calling it a shared honor.

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This award is not for me personally, but for all the deaf partners who have worked hard for many years in the north, central, and south. This is our shared honor, and I want to share the honor with everyone.