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.
Dr. Vicars er, um, I mean...
BillNote: 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.