Feature

Basics of sign language

Elise Keesler, Writer | 11/04/2021

Over 5% of the world suffers from some sort of hearing loss. 5% is roughly 360 million people. They will need to learn a new language and their life will be completely different than ever imaginable.

ASL is used by less than 500,000 people in the United States which is less than 1% of deaf people here in the U.S.

Having the ability to communicate with deaf individuals is very important. If you know the basic signs, whether that is being able to tell them to have a good day or even asking if they need some help with whatever you are doing and wherever you are, these skills come in handy on the most random occasions and can make their whole entire day being able to talk with them.

A personal experience of mine would be at my place of work when a couple came in and we started to ask them if they wanted to sit inside or outside and how many of them there were. One of the two individuals started pointing at their ear and I automatically assumed they could not hear. I proceeded to sign if they wanted to sit inside or outside and they answered! Another time, I was helping a family in the gameroom and the grandparents were signing back and forth because the grandpa was deaf. I decided in my mind that I was going to sign “Have a good day,” after they were done checking out their tickets. It got to the end and I completely chickened out and just spoke the words “Have a good day,” instead of signing it. I know for a fact that he would have appreciated me signing that knowing I am able to communicate. Now I am much more comfortable with signing to deaf individuals that I most likely will not chicken out again.