Learn Your Name in Sign Language Day is celebrated on January 11 each year. It encourages people to learn how to fingerspell their name in American Sign Language (ASL), a complete language used by Deaf and hard-of-hearing people in the United States and parts of Canada. Fingerspelling uses handshapes for each letter of the alphabet. Learning your name is a simple, friendly first step toward communicating with the Deaf community.
History of Learn Your Name in Sign Language Day
ASL has roots in French Sign Language and in local sign languages used in the United States, including one that developed on Martha's Vineyard, where many residents were deaf. In 1817, Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet and Laurent Clerc, a Deaf teacher from France, founded the American School for the Deaf in Hartford, Connecticut, the first permanent school for deaf students in the United States.
In 1864, President Abraham Lincoln signed legislation authorizing the school that became Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., still the world's only university designed for Deaf and hard-of-hearing students.
For many years, some schools discouraged signing in favor of lip-reading and speech. In the 1960s, linguist William Stokoe showed that ASL is a full language with its own grammar, helping to win recognition and respect. Many Deaf people also have 'name signs', given by members of the Deaf community, instead of fingerspelling their full name every time. Who created this day is not documented.
Why Learn Your Name in Sign Language Day Matters
Learning even a few signs shows respect for Deaf culture and makes communication more inclusive.
ASL is one of the most commonly used languages in the United States, and it's offered as a world language in many high schools and colleges.
Sign language also benefits hearing people, from parents using simple signs with babies to people communicating in noisy places.
How to Celebrate Learn Your Name in Sign Language Day
- Fingerspell your name: practice each letter in the ASL alphabet.
- Learn basic signs: start with 'hello', 'thank you' and 'please'.
- Take a class: look for community or online ASL courses taught by Deaf instructors.
- Watch Deaf creators: learn from Deaf storytellers and performers.
- Learn etiquette: get someone's attention with a wave or a light tap.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, share a short video of the ASL alphabet and invite coworkers to fingerspell their names in a meeting. In classrooms, students can learn the alphabet, make name cards with handshapes or learn about Deaf history. At home, families can practice fingerspelling their names and learn everyday signs such as 'eat', 'more' and 'love'. Remember that a name sign is given by the Deaf community, not chosen for yourself.
Fun Facts About Learn Your Name in Sign Language Day
- The American School for the Deaf was founded in 1817.
- Gallaudet University was authorized in 1864.
- ASL has its own grammar, separate from English.
Learn Your Name in Sign Language Day FAQs
When is Learn Your Name in Sign Language Day?
Learn Your Name in Sign Language Day is celebrated on January 11 each year.
What is fingerspelling?
Using handshapes for each letter of the alphabet to spell words or names.
Is ASL the same as English?
No. ASL is a separate language with its own grammar and structure.
Is sign language universal?
No. Different countries have different sign languages, such as British Sign Language and ASL.
What is a name sign?
A unique sign for a person's name, usually given by members of the Deaf community.
Where can I learn ASL?
Community colleges, Deaf organizations and online courses taught by Deaf instructors.