Deaf Awareness Month: The Art and Purpose of Sign Names
Sign names are an important part of Deaf culture and are used to identify people without having to fingerspell their full names.
Unlike spoken names, a sign name is not chosen by the individual but is given to them by another member of the Deaf community. This tradition is a way of showing acceptance and inclusion into the community.
The process of creating a sign name is more of an observational one. A member of the Deaf community will observe a person to find a unique, distinguishing characteristic.
This distinguishing trait can be a physical feature (like dimples or curly hair), a specific mannerism (like fiddling with hair), a hobby, or even a profession.
For example, if you have curly hair, wear spectacles, or have broad shoulders, a sign might be created to highlight that feature. An initial sign, using the first letter of a person's name, points to that highlighted feature.
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Selestine Nyongesa
An editor at Signs Tv
Experienced and versatile writer, dedicated to using my exceptional writing and editing skills to inform and advocate. My work focuses on educating and entertaining readers on a range of topics, with a particular expertise in matters of disability.
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