” I can’t believe that in all places in the world, we met here, on the other side of the planet!“, said Paolo after hugging me.
“We had always seen each other through Skype, but real life is so much better, I can see you clearly!”
Paolo is my Italian Sign Language (LIS) teacher. I started to study LIS almost two years ago and my approach to this incredible language changed when I met him. Although the language itself was interesting, sometimes the grammar could be boring or difficult to get. With Paolo, I noticed I was improving day after day and I was even more passionate about it. We immediately click together. However, after my final exam, we lost contact.
Months later, I was traveling south-east Asia and visiting a school for Deaf in Myanmar. I recorded a video about the experience and while I was doing so I though about my teacher. We both had a passion for travels and I remember we were always talking about different cultures worldwide.
That’s why I decided to text him and send him the video. I’m so glad I did it, because as we were talking we both realized we had chosen the same country for our next adventure… Australia!
From the moment we met to the moment we said goodbye, we never stop signing. Thank to him I experienced a bite of the Deaf Culture and I’m finally able to list the three surprising reasons why Sign Language is different than any other language!
1. You Can Sign Normally in A Loud Room
Me and Paolo decided to sit in a cute pub down the street. When we first arrived there, the place was bright and the music was soft. However, as it was getting dark, the music was louder and everyone had to shout in each other’s ear in order to have a conversation.
…Except us.
We were signing when the music was soft and we were still signing when the music was super loud! Simply because our voices were not supposed to be heard, our hands needed to be seen.
At the end of the night, for the first time I had no headache and my throat wasn’t painful. I was able to have a normal conversation, talk about important, interesting and even deep topics while having a drink in a pub!
2. You Can Sign Even In A Quiet Place
Few days later, we met at the Skydeck in Melbourne, a building where you can have a speechless view of the city from the 88th floor.
Timing was perfect and while everyone was enjoying the sunset in silent.. Me and Paolo were having silent conversations enjoying the moment and respecting everybody there.
With Sign Language you could go to the library or visiting a museum in complete silence without having to whisper all the time.
How amazing is that?!
3. You Can Sign When Far From Each Other
After enjoying the stunning sunset at the Skydeck, we had a walk close by the famous Crown Casino, which held a fire show at 9pm everyday.
We had no idea about it, and as we were crossing the street, the show started. We found each other at the two side of the street.
Surprisingly (for me), we still could talk to each other! As long as you can see each other, you can keep the conversation.
I knew about those amazing fact but this was the very first time I could experience them on my skin.
I feel grateful once again for having the opportunity to get to know this language and I feel everyday a bit more welcome into its community.
Which aspect of Sign Language interests you more and why?
Did you know you could have silent talks in a loud room?
Love,
Sonia
