@oliviabeasleyy_: SIGN NAME Let's talk about sign names! It's part of Deaf culture to name people without fingerspelling. Honestly, it's my favourite thing about our culture. A sign name is cherished. It is a special gift from the Deaf community, not given out lightly. It should be given by a Deaf person (but not for every case). Do you have one? Does it have a story behind it? Let us know! I also illustrate sign names into 2D outlines — want one? Head to my page for details, or go to livi-creations.square.site. ____ VD: White woman, short brown hair, deep red shirt, blue jeans, sitting in front of a wall of eclectic art. Signs in an animated, excited manner throughout. Transcript What's that? It's my sign name! If you're wondering what a sign name is — It's part of Deaf culture. A way we name people without fingerspelling their English name. You may be wondering how you can get one. Sign names are unique, valuable, and special. Not something we carelessly give out, or give ourselves. It should come from a Deaf person. When considering a sign name, we look at personality, your name (letters or meaning), appearance, or behaviour — anything that makes you, you. A sign is then worked out — from an existing sign, or created outside our vocabulary. Not everyone has one. Sometimes we can't find a suitable sign, so we use initials instead — if I didn't have one, I'd likely be "OB." Or your name might just be too short to bother. When you receive a sign name, it's a gift from the Deaf community — an honour to receive. Did you know not all of us like sign names?! My pop told me about the old Deaf school boarding programs, where every student had a numbered locker. Teachers would take "girl," locker number 4, and combine into this — Or "boy," locker number 6, combined into this — It felt like students were seen as numbers, not individuals with personalities. That's why they weren't a fan. Interesting! My name is based on my nickname — family and friends called me Livi as a kid. Someone told me it's like they predicted I'd become a latte-obsessed person, which makes it feel even more fitting. Anyway! I wonder what your sign name is, and the story behind it?

Olivia

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Region: AU

Wednesday 19 August 2026 21:45:05 GMT