Name Signs: What Are They?
September is Deaf Awareness Month. To celebrate we wanted to highlight an important topic within the Deaf community known as Name Signing. More than a nickname, name signing is a personal way to identify an individual using American Sign Language (ASL). Receiving a name sign is considered a gift and an honor. It should be noted that a name sign is only used by members of the Deaf community. It is never spoken out loud and they are not used on documents.
What are Name Signs?
A name sign is always given by someone in the Deaf community and usually reflects the individual’s personality and character. Name signs reflect who the individual is and how they are viewed by others in the community.
For example, a name sign could be Joy if the person is known for being happy-go-lucky, or Chuckles if they are known for being very funny. Name signs can also be based on hobbies and interests or key traits about the person, or the first letter of their name (such as C).
Name Signs and Introductions
It’s customary when meeting someone new to sign your given name first. Individuals in the Deaf community will learn your name sign from others.
Does Everyone Have a Name Sign?
Not everyone in the Deaf community has a name sign. Just like anyone else, some prefer to go by their first name.
Can Name Signs Change?
Sometimes! If you move or change social groups, then your name sign could change. Or if others feel there is a different name sign that suits you better.
Name signs in Deaf culture are very special. In many ways, it is considered a right of passage into the community. If you’ve been given a name sign, enjoy it.
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