We are Deaf and use American Sign Language in our house so communication should not be an issue.
And yet it is. The reason?
WE HAVE CHILDREN.
Those of you with children already get my drift.
Those of you without children and/or would like clarification, before trying to have a (signed) conversation, try this exercise:
Rent one of those air dancers you see at expos/fairs and set it up in your living room.
Attach a 10 pound weighted barbell to your right wrist with a string so it dangles.
With your left arm pick up a 20 pound sack of potatoes and hold it on your hip (Yukon Gold is best).
Turn on a fan.
Place a plate of steaming cauliflower between you and the fan.
Start making a peanut butter sandwich.
And.. go.
Alright, now everybody understands.
And really, this is something that had not once occurred to me prior to having children. Yes, all the people who had kids before me, keep laughing, that’s fine.
Anyway, I know we aren’t alone in this. Our journey (and the journey of other Deaf parents) naturally gives birth to a whole ‘nother language. Clever modifications using whatever means we have available has become a dance of sorts. And dance, we do..
So, if you’re looking to expand your repertoire, (or heck, just need a chuckle) check out these moves:
Leg /toe extension Uses the toe to point to things needed when both hands and arms are full AND lower body is visible.
Chin/elbow point Can be used separately to point to things needed or in a combo move which references another person AND an item needed when hands are full but only upper body visible (like at a counter).
Eyebrow raise Primarily used as a reaction to express alarm to a statement deemed ludicrous immediately prior. Such as, “I’m going to take the kids out for a double fudge brownie sundae before dinner.”
Spare finger wiggles Hands and arms seemingly full, yet one finger from each hand can convey so much. Use with a chin point combo for extra clarity.
Glare or Stare Last resort move but particularly useful when speaker has utilized one or all of the rigorous above moves only to realize the other person is no longer paying attention. The key here is sustaining Glare or Stare for maximum effect.
So, that’s what we do. I figure we’ll be able to have a complete conversation within the next decade or so.
So you see, like all parents our life is pretty crazy. We’ve got a lot going on when we’re all home or out and about.
Through it all, we just keep on dancing!
Inflatable dancer photo courtesy of fashionmoods1
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Marla Crews
May 20, 2014Great post! 🙂
Jennifer Stuessy
July 25, 2014Thanks Marla!