In continuing the discussion about registers from my last post, I mentioned that I would create a separate blog post to delve further into understanding the intimate register of ASL, as it is far more important than it may seem!
On the surface, the intimate register is a way of communication used in casual settings among friends, family, or anyone with whom you share a deep connection. Although this description is 100% accurate, it’s also somewhat incomplete as the intimate register also covers other important types of signing, specifically, name signs.
But what are name signs?
Name signs are an aspect of ASL used to identify someone without fingerspelling their name each time. Instead, many people will often use either the first letter of someone’s name or something that can be associated with that person, and even sometimes both. For a better understanding, check this out:
But why are name signs so significant?
Name signs aren’t solely just a way of identification. The reason they hold such importance in in ASL and all sign languages as a whole is because receiving a name sign is a definite indication that one is an essential part of the Deaf community. Basically, not just anyone can be given a name sign by pure fascination with the idea of them because in actuality, they represent a much more intrinsic part of Deaf culture.