ASL: Quickie!

ASL = American Sign Language

Practically every spoken (verbal) language has it’s very own manual sign language used by it’s Deaf (primarily) and other speech-challenged populations to communicate. There exists, as of this moment, no “global” or “universal” signed language familiar and understood by all persons who converse and interact manually. There are some “word signs” that are universally recognized and utilized but each language culture has it’s own particular and predominant signed language.

Some of the larger (geographic) countries and multilingual nations have variations based upon regional and linguistic traditions, very similar to oral (spoken) fluctuations known as “accents” that are usually comprehended by all respective users.

For example, the body-painted man (above) in today’s header (title photograph) is using his hand to transmit the the concept/message/phrase “I love you.” This is one of the manual signs that is widely understood by almost every manual communicator no matter their predominant sign language. Similarly, a smile and a wave of a hand is a method of conveying a friendly greeting.

Some of these internationally recognized signs are understood based on centuries of use. Others are representative of a geographically dominant signed language and/or interaction and practice. It is important to note here that every Deaf / speech challenged person has their own specific experience with signed language, no matter where they live. The reasoning will vary as many times as the total number of individuals involved!

It is also essential to appreciate and comprehend that each particular Deaf Culture evolved. There is no magical formula that was engaged to ensure compliance. Each signed language (American Sign Language, British Sign Language, Greek Sign Language, Arabic Sign Language, Yoruba Sign Language, etc.) developed on it’s own intensity and standard.

Our man above, with no body paint whatsoever, is signing another concept/message/phrase conveying “gratitude/thank you” to us all for taking a few moments to manually communicate!

Naked hugs!.

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, April 19, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Earth Day!”