ASL University | Bookstore | Catalog | Dictionary | Lessons | Resources | Syllabi | Library


American Sign Language: "The use of titles"
Also see: Titles 2

In a message dated 3/1/2005 4:34:49 PM Pacific Standard Time, a student writes:
 I am wondering if there are signs for Mr., Mrs., Miss (an unmarried woman), and Ms.?
Tom
_____
Tom,
Such "titles of address" are not used in ASL.
We refer to people by their name sign or by spelling their first name or sometimes their last name.  For example an adult student just asked me "Where "T-H-R-A-P-P?"  She was referring to one of my coworkers named Sandra Thrapp.
In the Deaf world even titles such as Dr. are rarely used.  This also applies to making formal introductions for speakers.  If the title "Dr." is used then it is done so very sparingly or only once lest others think the title holder is bragging.
Cordially,
Dr. Vicars  er, um, I mean...Bill

Note:  That brings up an interesting point.  I'm a member of quite a few "communities."  Two of those communities are the "academic" community and the Deaf community.
In the academic community, titles are commonplace and generally expected to be used between students and their teachers.  This begins in elementary school where typically students are required to address their teachers as "Mr. Soandso" or "Mrs. Soandso."  This system of formal address continues through to the postsecondary school years where students tend to address their instructors as "Professor Soandso," or "Dr. Soandso." 

Thus I wear two different nametags.
Academic world:  Dr. Vicars, Dr. Bill, Dr. V
Deaf World:  B-I-L-L "V." or "V"-(taps side of head)-[namesign]

Cultural norms for these two worlds conflict regarding personal titles.  In one world it is important. In the other world it is considered unimportant.

How do I resolve this conflict? 
First of all, I recognize that many students actually LIKE and want to address me as "Dr." Vicars because they honestly want to be polite.  They feel comfortable being polite.  They also enjoy the thought that they are hanging out with and being taught by someone who has taken the time and put forth the effort to earn such a title.  Additionally I realize that the title helps me be a more effective teacher because it engenders (brings about) respect.  That "respect" helps me to manage my classroom more effectively and thus provide a better learning environment for my students.
Thus being the case, I actively use the title when interacting with students in general.

Next, I realize that many people feel intimidated by or "put off" by such titles and thus I make a point to often refer to myself as "Bill" and to clarify that I am flexible regarding what I'm called.

Here's a list of what I'm generally called by various populations:

Peers:  Bill

General Deaf:  namesign: "V"-(taps side of head) or spell B-I-L-L and shake a "V."

Students: Dr. Vicars, Dr. Bill, Dr. V, Professor

Students with whom I've interacted on some level beyond purely academic:  Bill

Sons and Daughters: Dad

Wife: Bill, Honey, (censored)

Church congregation: Namesign, sign: BROTHER then do namesign.  In correspondence: Brother Vicars, Brother Bill.  When I was called to lead the congregation it became "PRESIDENT + V-(upside the head/namesign).

Family of origination: (My mom, dad, brother, and sister)  Billy

Internet Inquiries:  Some call me Mr. Vicars -- indicating they have not taken the time to learn
anything at all about me and are generally just trying to get me to do their high school or college homework for them instead of going to the library (or accessing the appropriate online databases) and doing their own work.

Emails from ASL Heroes (those true believers out there who are genuinely seeking to learn and understand ASL): Bill, Dr. Bill, or Dr. Vicars. (Again, depending on if we have interacted at any length, and or their own status, age, or cultural background.)

Note:  There is a difference between the sign for a medical doctor and how we refer to an "academic" doctor.  While the Deaf community is not overly concerned with titles, if you are introducing someone to an audience you would simply spell the letters "D-R" and then the name.
 


In a message dated 8/9/2006 2:37:59 PM Pacific Daylight Time, a job applicant writes:
I have an important interview coming up with a Deaf man: "Dr. Smith." 
How should
I address Dr. Smith? 
Should I make the sign for 'doctor' ("M" on wrist) and fingerspell his last name? 
Is it ok for me to ask him what his name sign is and use it? 
 
Dear Job Applicant,
Do not sign "doctor" on the wrist...that is reserved for medical professionals only.
It is not rude to ask a person if they have a name sign.  Generally it is offered during the initial hellos.
Actually, how to address him is not an issue.
In general you never need to use his name.  Really. 
The only time you will use his name is when you talk to other people about him.  Then, if you desire you can spell D-R  S-M-I-T-H,  or use his name sign if you know it.
--Bill

 

Want to help support ASLU?   It's easy :)