Sign language is such an intricate and interesting topic—but one that is rarely discussed in mainstream media these days. The deaf and the hard-of-hearing, and also the hearing, use sign language to communicate with each other.
A recent show on ABC Family highlights the use of sign language in two very different families. Called Switched at Birth, the show focuses on two girls who were (as you guessed it), grew up in with their non-biological parents. The fascinating aspect about this show is that one of the girls, Daphne, contracted meningitis at age 3 and as a result, lost her hearing. Her mother, who is hearing, almost exclusively signs with her, as does her best friend. As she gets to know her biological family, they start to learn basic sign language to communicate with her as well.
The physical expressiveness of sign language allows for person to have their own “personality” in their signing. In scenes that rely on signing, the background noises are muted and the audience focuses entirely on the interaction between the signers. Bay, the artistic daughter, signs as if she is just learning (which she is—just for the show) and often does the wrong sign. Regina, Daphne’s non-biological mother, signs very fluently, even though she had to take many sign language lessons to prepare for this role. Sign language, and the role it plays in these families’ lives, is featured very prominently on this show.