Chapter Seven

Chapter Seven

One of the most common questions I am asked is regarding name signs. What is a name sign? and how does one receive one? From my understanding, a name sign is a sign that represents you in the Deaf Community. It is appointed to you by a member of the Deaf Community and based on one of your physical characteristics or personality traits.

For example, one of my professors name sign was the "m" hand shape to her cheek. The reason this was chosen as her name sign is because her first name began with an m and she had very rosy cheeks.

I find it interesting how you cannot decide your own name sign but one has to be given to you. It is a sign of respect and when you are given one by a member of the Deaf Community it is a sign that you are part of a community and in essence a brotherhood.

What do you think your name sign would be?

Until next time...Happy Signing Everyone!!