Hongkong Post to issue "Inclusive Communication" special stamps (with photos)
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Hong Kong is a pluralistic society in which different communities live together inclusively and peacefully. In the process of communicating, understanding and building a harmonious society, languages and media of communication play a crucial role.
Sign language, developed for people with hearing impairment, is a full-fledged language that employs not only hand gestures but also supplementary non-manual features such as facial expressions including eyebrow and mouth movements. Braille, on the other hand, was invented by a blind Frenchman named Louis Braille in the 19th century. It is a writing system that enables visually impaired people to understand through the sense of touch.
To promote inclusive communication, Hongkong Post is issuing a set of six special stamps and a stamp sheetlet on that theme. The stamps display six common words or phrases in Chinese and English, namely "Friend" ($2), "Good morning" ($2.60), "Hello" ($3.40), "Keep it up" ($3.70), "Love" ($4.90) and "Thank you" ($5).
On the left side of each stamp, there is a simple and adorable comic character expressing the word or phrase in sign language. In addition, the Braille dots for the word or phrase are printed in textured Braille ink on the surface of the stamp. This combination of sign language and Braille in the design thus allows the messages of the stamps to be conveyed to people with different needs. A lenticular effect is applied on the accompanying stamp sheetlet, making the sign language gestures for "inclusive communication" come alive.
Official First Day Covers at $1.30 each will be put on sale at all post offices from tomorrow (May 24). The stamps and associated philatelic products will be displayed at the General Post Office, Tsim Sha Tsui Post Office, Tsuen Wan Post Office, Sha Tin Central Post Office and Tuen Mun Central Post Office from the same day. Advance orders for servicing self-provided covers will be accepted at all philatelic offices from tomorrow to May 30.
Information about this special stamp issue and associated philatelic products is available on the Hongkong Post website at www.hongkongpost.hk and via the Hongkong Post mobile app.
Ends/Wednesday, May 23, 2018
Issued at HKT 9:00
Issued at HKT 9:00
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