Do any of you know sign language?

[JohnCU]

Both of my girlfriend's parents are deaf, so I thought it would be nice to learn some sign language so I can communicate with them. I found a listing of the sign language alphabet, and so far I've got all the letters and signs memorized.

But I mean, do you spell out every word when you talk to a deaf person or what? Any tips would help. Thanks.

 

[spanky]

i know how to sign as long as it only involves one finger.

 

[Viper GTS]

Here you go

$9.60, I'd say it's a worthwhile investment.

BTW, I can teach you one...



Viper GTS

 

[thebestMAX]

My brother is deaf and there is a whole other side to sign language. It involves shortcuts, facial expressions, slang and so forth. My only other advise to use it and practice it with another user just as any other language.

My applause to you for understanding and undertaking this measure.

 

[Balthazar]

Come on people, this is the era of the visual aide!!!!

<^><^>

 

[Sundog]

I now wish that I had learned to sign........

 

[notfred]

Wow... do you ever worry about your gf going deaf? Or your children in the future being deaf? that would worry me.....

 

[JohnCU]

That thought has crossed my mind, but I'm not sure if it's hereditary like that...I don't know too much about it, unfortunately.

 

[thebestMAX]

Notfred-

His GF will not just go deaf but children could be affected.

I did worry about that for 9 months when my wife was pregnant but then I found out my brother was not deaf due to a genetic cause.

Can you see why I dont care much for my relatives? Didnt know my real name until I was in my 40s !

My brothers 3 children are all deaf but due to his wife.

Interestingly enough, the doctors said they could cure him when he was about 30 but he said no because his whole life would change. lways thought he would have been better off but his decision.

 

[microAmp]

<< But I mean, do you spell out every word when you talk to a deaf person or what? Any tips would help. Thanks. >>



It depends on what kind of sign language they know, there is ASL and English. ASL cuts out the words "of" "the" etc..... while in English sign you include them in your sentence. English sign language will usually understand a person who signs in ASL. BTW, the English sign language are the really old people, 70's. Most now have schooling that teach the ASL.

Here are two sites that have sign language here and here.

I know sign language myself all my life, parents are deaf too.

 

[WhiteWonder]

i know a few things, because my girlfriends brother is deaf, but i don't know a whole lot, like only 5 to 10 signs

 

[thebestMAX]

Another memory-

I dated a girl in Montana but she never wanted me to go home with her to meet her parents but would not tel me why. We went there one night after a few months and They both turned out to be deaf.

Imagine her surprise when I started signing to them !!

 

[BaliBabyDoc]

My applause to you for understanding and undertaking this measure.

. . . ditto . . . /waves hands above his head/ . . . you'll figure it out . . .

My ex-GF has twin deaf sisters. I used a pretty good video . . . "How to Talk to a Person Who Can't Hear". Plus she gave me "Essential ASL" (Sternberg) which has been quite handy.

Practice, practice, practice and much like visiting other countries (except maybe France) they appreciate the effort. Learn to make fun of yourself . . . my favorite sign is still slow.

 

[thebestMAX]

TTT for worthy thread

 

[microAmp]

<< That thought has crossed my mind, but I'm not sure if it's hereditary like that...I don't know too much about it, unfortunately. >>



Yes it can be hereditary.

 

[Moonbeam]

Sure I know sign language. There's the stop sign, yield, falling rocks, and slipery when wet. Then there's all the symbol signs. It's no biggy.

 

[Sir Fredrick]

There are several different types of sign language, you should really find out which one they use to communicate.

Those links that motoamd provided were good, but those are for ASL only. There's also pigeon sign which is where they fingerspell every word really really fast, and signed english which is similar to ASL with slightly different signs (most of the signs having the handshape of the first letter of the word you're signing), and the grammar is identical to english.

Also, sign language is a rapidly evolving language, so unless her parents are active in the deaf community, they may not recognize some of the "new" signs that you'll learn.

I wouldn't really reccomend just trying to teach yourself, you'll learn a lot more if you take a class on it, and there's a good chance your teacher will be familliar with all the ins and outs, if there's several common ways that people sign a word, they'll show you all of them (whereas those sites just show the most common one).

I'm currently taking American Sign Language II at Lansing Community College. If you have any more questions feel free to ask

 

[b0mbrman]

I know the alphabet of course...but nothing more except butt & pirate of course...thanks PCU

 

[Eli]

My girlfriends mom is an interpretor for the deaf. It's pretty interesting, they have quite the sub-cultre..

 

[911paramedic]

I used to know a bit when I worked with the Special Olympics, there were a few deaf kids. I have forgotten most of it though.

 

[LordMaul]

Yes...I took sign language for about 2-3 years about 2 years AGO. I preffer English signing, as American is rediculous IMHO. For those who don't know the difference, English is like when you sign "I'm going to the grocery store" and sign each word. American signing is like when you would sign "Me Go Store Me".

However, I've forgotten most of the signs and now have to hand-spell most words.

 

[b0mbrman]

<< Both of my girlfriend's parents are deaf, so I thought it would be nice to learn some sign language so I can communicate with them. I found a listing of the sign language alphabet, and so far I've got all the letters and signs memorized.

But I mean, do you spell out every word when you talk to a deaf person or what? Any tips would help. Thanks. >>


Why not talk to the girlf about it?

 

[Sir Fredrick]

<< Yes...I took sign language for about 2-3 years about 2 years AGO. I preffer English signing, as American is rediculous IMHO. For those who don't know the difference, English is like when you sign "I'm going to the grocery store" and sign each word. American signing is like when you would sign "Me Go Store Me".

However, I've forgotten most of the signs and now have to hand-spell most words. >>



ASL is actually more like "Store I go to." It's best to set up the store first, so that when you sign "go to" it can be directional, towards the store.

I would say that once you have the hang of it, ASL is the most efficient form of sign.

 

[vital]

why not just register for an ASL course in your local community college? i took one semester of ASL and it was pretty
interesting... forgot most of the stuff i learned by now though since i don't know any deaf people...

 

[oLLie]

I think it'd be interesting to learn it!