Slovenian sign language has been enshrined in the Constitution since 2021, but now an online platform will help boost its development by allowing everyone to contribute to expanding its dictionary of gestures.

Individuals wishing to contribute can choose a word that has not yet been translated into Slovenian sign language at the website prispevajkretnjo.si (contributeagesture).

By clicking on the link below they make a donation of €10 or more for the selected words to be developed into gestures within three months and entered into the dictionary of Slovenian sign language.

The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Clubs Association of Slovenia launched the campaign on 11 November saying it will enable better inclusion of deaf and hard of hearing people into society.

Slovenian sign language currently has around 25,000 gestures. "This is the vocabulary of a third-grader," the association's secretary Matjaž Juhart said, noting that without the development of their language the deaf and hard of hearing cannot successfully integrate into society.

Using sign language, the association's president Mladen Veršič conveyed a similar message, underscoring that more words means better education for the deaf and hard of hearing community.

In cooperation with Mastercard Slovenia the association has developed a dictionary of financial terms, incorporating it in the dictionary of Slovenian sign language.

The company's business director Luka Gabrovšek said they want to spread awareness of the importance of empowering the deaf and hard of hearing with financial literacy ensuring more safety and freedom.

A survey conducted by market research and polling agency Mediana through interviews with deaf people and sign language analysis showed one in four deaf people are unable to use even basic financial services independently, such as withdrawing money or paying bills.

Only two out of three can use payment cards at point of sale independently, and only one in three can use an online bank, Katarina Muha of Mediana said.

The event was also attended by former President Borut Pahor, who described the inclusion of sign language in the Constitution as a milestone, creating the right and the duty to respect sign language.

"Only when we understand that we all belong to minorities and that this is why we must support each other, will we have the opportunity to become an inclusive society," Pahor said.