My New Name

It is customary in Deaf culture to be given a sign name. Because many names are long to constantly fingerspell in ASL, deaf people are given a sign related to their personality and signed in the handshape of their name. It is a name unique to the person, and when you introduce yourself you fingerspell your first name and then give your sign name. Although people will know your full name, they will use your sign name in every day conversation. If you are hearing, a deaf person who grew up in deaf culture should give you a sign name when they know you well enough or feel like they can give you one. Last week, I met a guy named Bradley and after introducing ourselves, I told him that I did not yet have a sign name. He asked me about myself and what I like to do, and after I told him he gave me this sign name.

In the video, I say "Hi, my name is Kaleena(fingerspelled) Kaleena(name sign)". My name sign, the letter K brushed against the side of the chest, means that I like theatre. The ASL sign for theatre is using both thumbs to brush both sides of the chest, and by changing the handshape to a K and using one hand, it becomes my name!

My family was very excited to learn that I had a name sign, because it can be seen as a symbol of being included in the deaf community.

Other than that, my week was filled with midterms. I did not exactly stay on top of everything I needed to do, which left me with some pretty late nights/early mornings. But in the end, I got everything done and had a pretty lazy weekend. We did go to the Eastern Market today which I think is the oldest flea market. It was impressive. They have jewelry, fresh produce, and even funnel cakes! And they do it every weekend.

My friend Angelica's boyfriend is here visiting for the next few days and although he is pretty hott, I am definitely looking forward to Briana coming to visit in November! It will be exciting to see her again and show her around DC; it has been so different without her living right down the hall, but she has been taking good care of Tucker (my dog) for me and I have been missing them both quite a bit.

Hopefully this next week will be pretty relaxing after a crazy one last week, but I will keep you all updated. Have a great week!

Kaleena

new sign of the week: bar

most used phrase of the week: not true!