This is the International Week of Deaf People.

Do you know what the people above are doing? Their hands are spelling the word “L-O-V-E” in American Sign Language!

Some countries around the world are making a special effort to acknowledge members of the Deaf community this week.

Here are some interesting facts about the Deaf community and culture.

Sign Languages
Instead of using verbal language to talk to each other, Deaf people use a visual language called sign language. There are many different sign languages in the world. And even if two countries speak the same verbal language, their sign languages won’t necessarily be the same. For instance, American Sign Language and British Sign Language are completely different!

Name Signs
A “name sign” is a sign that represents a person’s name. It’s often the first letter of a person’s name, paired with a movement that represents something about them. For example, if Cindy likes to read, her name sign might be the letter “C” making a movement that looks like the sign for “read.” People who are Deaf give each other name signs, and if you have friends who are Deaf, they might give you one. You can’t give yourself a name sign, though, and asking for one is considered rude. It should just be a natural part of getting close to the community.

Deaf Wards and Branches
In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, some areas with larger member populations have wards and branches where Deaf people and their families can worship together. The meetings and classes are conducted in sign language, and they even sign along with the hymns.

Note: Learn more about the International Week of Deaf People here.