Not Just Using Sign Language, Here are 5 Ways to Communicate with Deaf People in the Anime 'A SIGN OF AFFECTION'

Kapanlagi.com - Written by: Lily Ariani

A SIGN OF AFFECTION is an anime series that aired in winter 2024. Adapted from the manga of the same title by Suu Morishita, A SIGN OF AFFECTION focuses on Yuki Itose. She is a college student who has a hearing impairment. Yuki's life becomes more colorful thanks to the presence of Itsuomi Nagi, a person who likes to travel the world and is fluent in many languages.

A SIGN OF AFFECTION can be said to offer a quite unique premise. Because the main protagonist is a deaf person, A SIGN OF AFFECTION often showcases the use of sign language. Thanks to this, A SIGN OF AFFECTION can become a source of learning new knowledge.

From the anime A SIGN OF AFFECTION, viewers can gain more knowledge about sign language. In addition, viewers can also better understand the proper way to communicate with hearing-impaired individuals. Here are 5 ways to communicate with hearing-impaired individuals as shown in the anime A SIGN OF AFFECTION.

1. Ensuring the Readiness of the Interlocutor

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The first thing to do when communicating with deaf people is to ensure that the interlocutor is ready to start the conversation. Without ensuring their readiness, we may be trapped in one-way communication. Deaf people may not be aware when we start a conversation.

This misunderstanding was exemplified by Itsuomi when she was at a public laundry. Itsuomi was talking without a listener because the deaf person she was talking to was unaware that they were being engaged in communication.

In addition, we should not appear suddenly. This can startle and make deaf people feel uncomfortable.

2. Capturing Attention

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To ensure the readiness of the interlocutor, we need to capture their attention. There are many ways to do this. First, we can use vibration signals. As exemplified by Rin, for example. We can tap the table or nearby seat.

If in a crowded place, we can capture the attention of deaf people by waving our hand or giving a light touch. This method is also often done by Rin in the anime A SIGN OF AFFECTION. It is important to adjust the touch so that it is not too aggressive and does not startle the interlocutor.

3. Not Covering the Face and Speaking Clearly

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In order for communication to be easier, it is not recommended to cover the mouth when speaking to deaf people. Instead, it is advised to speak with clear pronunciation and lip movements.

This attitude was exemplified by Itsuomi when interacting with Yuki. Yuki was indeed very helped by clear lip movements and pronunciation. In another scene, Yuki was actually having difficulty when faced with a cashier at a supermarket who was wearing a mask.

4. Writing Difficult Words

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Communication with deaf people does not always go smoothly. Especially if we want to express foreign words that are unfamiliar to the interlocutor. To overcome difficulties like this, we can use writing.

We can write difficult words, then explain them in a simpler way to the interlocutor. Like Itsuomi who wrote the word Laos and Rin who wrote the word trilingual. This method can be applied if the interlocutor is a deaf person who can read and write.

5. Using the Right Sign Language and Expressions

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Actually, using sign language when communicating with deaf people is not an obligation. However, this practice will certainly be very helpful and facilitate communication. In the anime A SIGN OF AFFECTION, Oushi and Itsuomi even willingly learn sign language to communicate more easily with Yuki.

When using sign language, we are advised to speak with clear pronunciation. This is intended to bridge the gap in sign language vocabulary between the speaker and the interlocutor.

In addition, we are also advised to use appropriate facial expressions. The function of facial expressions is to replace intonation and punctuation marks.

(kpl/lly)