the sign language "spokespeople" for all the

[a kennedy]

City mayors and Florence hurricane speakers are quite dramatic......I love their expressions.....

[Ohiogal]

1. I always notice them, too

I would love to learn how to sign!

[LastLiberal in PalmSprings]

2. SNL loved them, too

After which Bloomberg said:

[cyclonefence]

3. Exaggerated (to the non-deaf) facial expressions

are part of ASL, sort of like rising and falling tones in spoken language. Facial expressions and body language are integral to the language of the deaf. A poker-faced "speaker" of ASL isn't speaking ASL. If you learn sign language, you will be taught to use your facial muscles to help you communicate.

ETA It's a little offensive to make fun of the facial expressions of ASL interpreters. They don't do it to be funny.

[a kennedy]

4. I was not making fun of them......and if anyone thought I was, I am so sorry.....

I just am so in awe of their talent of speaking with facial expression and hand jesters.

[cyclonefence]

5. I didn't think you were, really

I just am tired of people saying how animated ASL signers are. It's my bad, really; few people know much about sign language, and I'm sorry I was so harsh. I should probably avoid threads about sign language!!

ETA: Actually, I was thinking more of SNL than of any regular person commenting. And my reaction still might be knee-jerk.

[a kennedy]

6. I am actually fascinated by it......

[FSogol]

7. I think you mean hand "gestures". You really are making fun of them if you call them "jesters".

[a kennedy]

8. Damn it.....right, and I say again, I'm sooooooooo sorry.

What a fool I am for a horrible spelling error. Please forgive me.

[FSogol]

9. Fool? Again with the jesters?