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Sign Language: "Deafness" The sign for "Deafness" is a combination of the ASL sign DEAF and the Signed English suffix sign "-NESS." The sign DEAF touches the index finger to the cheek near the ear. Then the finger lifts off of the cheek a bit and moves in a small arc and touches the cheek again near the mouth. Then you hold the side of an "N" hand onto the upper palm of the non-dominant flat hand (of which the palm is forward and the fingertips are up) and slide the N-hand downward toward the heel of the non-dominant flat hand. This sign is generally considered Signed English. DEAFNESS Animated gif: DEAFNESS: Note: Many Deaf leaders and authors have negative views regarding the use of the word "Deafness." Many of us prefer to simply phrase things in this manner: "People who are Deaf," "...her being Deaf did not prevent...," "the fact that she is Deaf had little bearing on...," "being Deaf," or "visually oriented" I suppose you could use the phrase "individuals with hearing loss" -- but I recommend you AVOID using the term "hearing impaired." It is a cultural issue. Often you could just use the phrase: "Deaf and hard of hearing people." Also see: DEAFHOOD You can learn American Sign Language (ASL) online at American Sign Language University ™ ASL resources by Lifeprint.com © Dr. William Vicars

Sign Language: "Deafness"

The sign for "Deafness" is a combination of the ASL sign DEAF and the Signed English suffix sign "-NESS." The sign DEAF touches the index finger to the cheek near the ear. Then the finger lifts off of the cheek a bit and moves in a small arc and touches the cheek again near the mouth. Then you hold the side of an "N" hand onto the upper palm of the non-dominant flat hand (of which the palm is forward and the fingertips are up) and slide the N-hand downward toward the heel of the non-dominant flat hand. This sign is generally considered Signed English.

DEAFNESS

Animated gif: DEAFNESS:

Note: Many Deaf leaders and authors have negative views regarding the use of the word "Deafness." Many of us prefer to simply phrase things in this manner:
"People who are Deaf,"
"...her being Deaf did not prevent...,"
"the fact that she is Deaf had little bearing on...,"
"being Deaf," or
"visually oriented"
I suppose you could use the phrase "individuals with hearing loss" -- but I recommend you AVOID using the term "hearing impaired." It is a cultural issue. Often you could just use the phrase: "Deaf and hard of hearing people."
Also see: DEAFHOOD

You can learn American Sign Language (ASL) online at American Sign Language University ™
ASL resources by Lifeprint.com © Dr. William Vicars