Deaf Boy and Hearing Girl: How Sign Language Helped Us

In this video we delve a bit deeper into why sign language helped us form a stronger relationship.
🕑 Time Line:
Eye contact: 0:44
Working towards a common goal: 3:03
Sharing a unique signing style: 4:28
Having deeper conversations: 6:17
Music:
Epidemic Sounds
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Disclaimer(s):
-This video was made for educational purposes only. This video does not intend to influence or change the opinion of any viewer. This video is the public filming of personal experiences and cannot be modified. This footage is the property of Sign Duo LLC and cannot be used, altered, modified, copied in any way without expressed written consent from Sign Duo LLC or any of its members.

[@SignDuoChannel]

Hey there everybody! We just wanted to let you know that there are captions on all of our videos. To turn them on from a mobile device, click the 3 dot icon. On a computer, you can click the "CC" button. Thanks for watching and we'll see you next time!

[@rudgerhermsen9955]

Hey there my name is khadija elghazi from the Netherlands I’m always watching you guys at lease every single evening and some videos I’ve seen like 20 times and I understand more and more every time I watch it and I love it. I was trying to fallow you on snap but I’ll still waiting for you to accept it☺️ anyway thank you so much for making these videos I used to watch vicars but you guys have a real convo what is so much more interesting. Thank you once again and keep up the great work you guys do. Lots of love from Amsterdam 😘

[@rudgerhermsen9955]

Btw this is my husbands account😉 his name is Rudger hermsen

[@alondraburns66]

Can we hear you say just one word.

[@akf6678]

hey! What would you say is a good free app for sign? I'd really like to learn but I can't find a good one that is gonna actually teach me. thanks!

[@mrcapnutz4233]

You know I wanna know something can he hear thoughts in his head or not that's something that has me confused

[@anthonypanega67]

Because of your channel I started learning ASL in school

[@ubernate860]

My aunt is an interpreter, because of her and this channel I'm starting the class on skillshare 🙂 good luck!!

[@blankets5782]

Lemme guess, you're struggling with facial expressions.

[@jefffetterhoff2750]

Hey can you teach me some that you know

[@MidTheMasked]

I just started learning NSL (because I don't live in America) and its very interesting!

[@abbydabby04]

Me too!!! I've taken almost two years of ASL now! I love it so much! It's such a cool language

[@verakay6042]

Who thinks they should react to sign language tik toks? BTW you guys are so inspiring, I convinced my school to have a sign language class as an elective because of you guys.

[@wonderlaund]

oh wow really? that is huge! soo great to hear that!

[@SignDuoChannel]

wow that's awesome!

[@godislovedayany5098]

How

[@jaciecrivea7356]

I really love how in depth you guys go to not only teach us about deaf culture but to explain the importance of communication and how your communication may be different from everyone else’s and the effects from that. It’s very insightful to other cultures. I also want to say Thank you for always being so real with us! Like Ryan mentioned you don’t ever put on a face and it shows just how genuine you both are. 🤟🏼

[@SignDuoChannel]

Thank you, we find that sharing our experience is the best way us to learn about our cultures ourselves. We've learned a lot about ourselves since starting making these videos.

[@nataliafranco9491]

If I don´t have a relationship like this I don´t want anything.

[@teresabillings8378]

I'm very introverted and I find it nearly impossible to make eye contact. I'm not sure I will ever be able to hold a conversation with eye contact with anyone, hearing or deaf.

[@magdalenajasinska4668]

I'm learning Polish Sign Language and it's interesting to see that some signs are similar 😊 Thank you for your channel, you're doing amazing job spreading the awareness about deaf culture worldwide 👏

[@__MoNiQuE]

I currently am thinking of learning Sign Language, you guys are a big help!

[@SignDuoChannel]

That's awesome, happy to help!

[@HolyMusicalAshleigh]

Started to learn more sign to help a deaf regular that always comes into the store I work at, and stumbled upon your Channel! I’m so happy that I did 💜 ive noticed that as I watch more videos I can look at the subtitles on Ryan’s portions less, I love how educational you are while also showing your personalities and being real people! 🤟🏻🤟🏻

[@WiWillemijn]

I wish hearing people held eyecontact more because I stutter and if someone looks away while I am trying so hard to speak it's disrespectful

[@aj__love5919]

Being a hearing person I love eye contact !!!👏🏼 it shows me that the person is being respectful and trying to listen. Nowadays people get on their phones while I speak and I’m like??? I call them out

[@dixinormous8539]

The way you look at each other speaks volumes, may you have a long and prosperous life together

[@NixiePixel]

Love to me is the willingness to learn from each other, and you two have that in spades. 💜 Honestly though... You two communicate better without spoken words than 💯 percent of my past relationships 😝

[@MohamedMohamed-ex7er]

Sound better quiet place and sign language.

[@braidtutorials8238]

Can we get a tour of Ryan's hat collection? I feel like he has a very extensive hat collection. love your videos btw

[@SignDuoChannel]

lol I don't have that many. only seems that way because I replace them often

[@bonker2946]

@@SignDuoChannel if your deaf how were you able to read this comment😑😑 #exspossed /s Its a joke i know deaf people can read you dont need to hear to read 😄

[@bonker2946]

@RYSE /s means sarcasm

[@noelleso4279]

@@bonker2946 even if that was sarcasm that was the dumbest thing to write

[@bonker2946]

@@noelleso4279 i found it to be fairly amusing

[@originalhazelgreene]

You guys are still the cutest and sweetest pair ever. You really are friends first who became romantic after and it shows. So happy for you ❤ Oh and it's gradually getting easier for me to keep up with your signing the more I watch, so, I see what you mean about personal style! So true.

[@m.l3483]

It’s always a treat to see you two! 🤗

[@angelmeza7847]

“bRoKeN nEcK”😋 ~ Ryan

[@rxgtv]

i remember that lol

[@stacilee7074]

Your connection is very apparent. Love your videos.

[@wildcatsfan10]

So glad to be able to watch you guys! You were one of my favorite channels at the beginning of 2020, and I'm so grateful!

[@elliehunt]

so glad you guys popped up in my recommended the other day!

[@fatimam5772]

You two are the real deal! Deep connection indeed! 💕

[@zoemalata9178]

you guys are so inspirational like we need more ppl like u guys 😭💜

[@user-qb4ke6gm5b]

i literally just started learning sign basically yesterday i think and ive just been observing your hands and learning signs! i love your videos so much it feels really cool to learn signs like this

[@tjbren576]

An EXCELLENT insight to knowing someone, especially a deaf someone better.

[@MyWorld0221]

You can definitely tell how close and connected you are with each other. It’s very sweet! Thanks for sharing! :-)

[@IrisLovee_]

I appreciate these kinds of videos. Of course we know you may not be able to do it all the time since it’s pretty deep, but even your lighter videos just talking about your experiences or little/big things is such an eye-opener. It feels nice to learn more about a different culture especially from BOTH a hearing and deaf perspective. Thank you. I love you guys, Java and your videos!

[@sarahraaymakers14]

You guys are so cute!!!!!! I love the bond!! It shows how much you love each other!!!

[@lisanidog8178]

You guys are just the sweetest couple!

[@aari3lla]

because of your guys me and my friends have started to learn sign language ❤️

[@juliarunn5009]

I’ve been learning sign so I watched this vid without subtitles and without my hearing aids in and I was amazed that I was able to follow the majority of the conversation!!

[@Mochimochi393]

Absolutely love you guys for just being so real. A goood friend of mine shared your videos with me, after I told her I was enrolling to learn ASL. I’d like to work as an interpreter. Thank you for sharing all that you do. The love & chemistry between you both is inspiring. Sending you all good vibes from Northern Ca. 🙏

[@rhondadaily846]

I have been learning ASL through some Skillshare classes and KZbin videos and I'm starting to recognize a lot more signs! I hope you continue to post new videos...

[@jenicaparr1856]

I like how you two share the same style of sign language. I've been learning ASL for a while and it seems very entertaining to watch your videos with how different, yet ealily understandable, your style of the language is! It's also amazing to learn more about you two and deaf culture/the deaf community in these videos.

[@brady9314]

Love your videos! I’m hearing, and my partner is Deaf as well. Your stories resonate a lot with us. It is definitely nice to see other people having the same experiences!

[@sggal6114]

I've been watching yr vids for awhile.. Today's vid has hit me quite hard. I felt it was not just about sign, but about the wider ability of people in any relationship to communicate & build bonds. You brought up so many excellent points: eye contact & being present in the convo, mutual respect, learning each other's communication style, getting a better understanding of a person's past experiences & personal "culture" (what makes the person who he is), having convos that make you want to talk more & delve deeper, moving past that superficial friendship, working on shared goals vs shared accomplishments, helping the other overcome difficulties..... so much there to learn from. Genuine & heartfelt. Thank u!

[@melanieanastasio9805]

Thank you for sharing your experiences. I'm a hearing mother of a Deaf child, so I really enjoy learning from both of your POV. Wishing you both (and Java) the best 🤟🏽

[@alanfonseca1386]

You guys are just perfect I wish there were more people like you guys in this world your guys relationship is the true meaning of love 💯💯😢😢

[@j2morrow]

I was so happy to see this last week. As always I love your posts. Even so beyond pleased thst it followed a week after the one previous to that. Personally...I would like nothing better then to see you post everyday. Of course, that would be a little difficult. After all....you need to have a little time to enjoy your time together. So.... I am beyond happy it seems to be weekly again.(I hope!) I'm always happy to see you guys. You are such a lovely and sweet looking couple. You make me smile big time. I so identify with your lives as I have experience so much of what your have gone thru in my life with a hearing loss. Keep the faith. Live and love life!🤟

[@style_icon997]

It sounds to me like sign language brought you two together! ❤️ Kind of like how music brought me and my boyfriend together since we met in music class in college! Keep up the good work! You two are amazing!

[@palmydream7360]

You guys almost made me cry, you have a very beautiful relationship that isn't that commun even for two hearing partners, the deep communication, understanding, the flow between you two... ♥️♥️♥️

[@ktbgood4598]

This is like Relationship 101 regardless of hearing ability. Thanks!

[@charlotteleroux4690]

Loved this video! I've watched a couple of signduo's videos now and this was a super interesting and lovely one!

[@abbyp3034]

Because of you guys I have been trying to learn asl and it helped me in real life!

[@alec9722]

Beautiful couple. Beautiful story. Thank you for sharing.

[@xwisitone3238]

I'm hearing, my girlfriend is deaf. I love your videos, they help a lot!! I've learned a ton about the deaf community, and it helps me so much!! Love ya both!!💚🤟

[@ebbaglasell1822]

@Sign Duo This video has a really big impact on me because as I know Supported Sign Language & have used signs at home since a very young age and looking to learn both SSL and then later ASL It got me to be more appreciative of the deaf community and its cultural history! You guys are always in my heart and I would love it to one day meet you both in person! 🙏

[@KhalifBeats]

Ya'll give me hope for true love in this world. These videos are very uplifting and inspiring for real.

[@rhee1110]

You two are such inspirations to the entire human nature❤️🙏🏽

[@nadiaperez1252]

Thank you so much for sharing your lives and your relationship. I am new to the Asl. I have recently started working with elementary school children, DHH. Watching your videos have really help me understand deaf culture better. Both of you are my inspiration ❤💖. #makingtheworldbigger

[@ray382vk]

watching you guys 2days a row. Suprised that I actually kinda memorized few signs just by watching your vids🥰

[@yakakaka5071]

One thing I love about this channel is I don't need sound to understand.

[@RaggedClawsSilentSea]

Just wanted to jump into the comments section to say I started watching your channel because I wanted to start learning ASL and I wanted to learn more about deaf culture, but I love to see your videos about your life together!I’m in a long term relationship and I love your videos about your experience with relationships and how you keep yours healthy. Also pls give Java a pat for me, she is adorable.

[@reneekiszka750]

I have been learning asl and I watch you guys alot because you go slow enough for me to pick up on the words. Thank you so much

[@nishacharkoudiansimmons4301]

You guys are amazing!! I’ve watched several of your videos and this is my favorite one so far! ❤️🤟🏼

[@Anevaysmomma]

I've been intrigued with sign since the 4th grade, I'm not sure why I've never taken an actual class but I enjoy learning and watching you guys constantly. No one in my family is deaf. I have one friend that's hard of hearing but she doesn't sign. I've taught my daughters basic sign language and they love it.

[@YvonneATruong]

Thank you for sharing your lives with us. You both are awesome and Java too!

[@roblesalexanderjeanp.1955]

I LOVE THIS COUPLE!! If there is a chance that every school or every country gets to learn sign language and we have a better communication with deaf peoples no more hassle to take orders in any restaurant no more hassle if they ask questions to other people!! Keep up sign duo’s!! ❤️ ♥️

[@jadecummings8093]

Lovely to see you guys and I can't wait to learn even more about sign language from you! 😉👍

[@polinadaber8195]

yalls relationship has made my standards so high lol you guys are so cute it makes me happy

[@alsuenglishteacher1425]

Every time I watch you guys I feel I want to break into tears because I just don’t have anybody with me can also help me and understand me and be with me all the time and have these bonds like you have with each other I’m so upset but I hope for the better of course and hopefully I will also find someone who can also understand me that much

[@gracemelone3974]

This was really interesting and beautiful. Languages are so powerful, people really need to take the time to learn about people who aren't like them. ❤️❤️❤️

[@danielawoltenholme444]

You guys are awesome because of your authenticity.

[@SignDuoChannel]

thanks Daniela!

[@oqlive8509]

I do understand like how people can have that deep of relationships because they can feel very connected with someone who can speak or understand them in a similar way. I was born with a physical disease and I have a hard time walking and I wasn't really open or liked talking about my disease but I met people who could understand what it was like feeling different so I became a lot more open and now I don't care too much of what others think of me.

[@marvelous7314]

I’m new and I love your channel it is so real and I’m 12 years old and I already know some sign and my teacher actually taught me the alphabet and u guys are inspiring me to learn more sign so tysm I am going to definitely learn some more sign language

[@sreshtaroy]

I honestly want to see these guys getting a lil cozy om videos😭❤️

[@ashtheunicorm7565]

Ngl when posting this I haven’t started the video sooo yee buuuut I just wanted to share that I’ve started taking ASL because of you two!! I had my first class on Zoom recently and I’m excited to learn more. Thank you for showing me something that I probably wouldn’t have even thought of learning if I hadn’t come across these videos since I’ve never seen ASL just in my day to day life.

[@AndreaHernandez-jx7dx]

I had a heart attack because i heard "we came to a realization at the end *of* our relationship" I threw a little of my coffee not gonna lie

[@dawnjette2955]

I am trying to learn ASL. I have two dictionary, and 4 other books 📚 I am in love with the language 😍 the only thing is I have no one to sign with lol! But it hasn't stop me cause, you see I am legally deaf but the thing is I could never go to a deaf school. Now the other thing is I was born with a bilateral cleft lip and palet. No it did NOT affect me mentally! Praise God!!! Alot of people immediately assume that. It does make me mad 😠 lol. Now, I do have some hearing, I was 95% deaf in my right ear and 75% in my left ear. Oh boy I really love sign language. It is a fascinating language! Hey, how do I turn on the caption so I know what is being signed! I can't catch all the words, plus I don't know alot of them? Do you two plan on getting married 🤔 😉

[@Poppy-]

@@dawnjette2955 hello 👋🏽 on my cell phone I have cc in the right upper corner. On a computer I think you still do it from the 3 vertical dots in the upper right corner when the video is on. Hope that helps. Have a nice day/evening 😁

[@krittika55]

@@Poppy- me too lol i had to rewind it 5 times to see what they said again

[@juliarunn5009]

@@dawnjette2955 my phone has the cc button on the top right and on the website it’s usually on the bottom w the progress bar. If it’s not there you can click the three dots and it’ll have a caption option. 😁

[@TheLg1985]

Does Ryan lip read? I had a deaf supervisor once (had some residual hearing with hearing aids, but couldn't understand speech, so solely relied on lip reading). He taught me how to lip read.

[@susanaporto454]

I learned the very basics of Portuguese Sign language, known as LGP - Língua Gestual Portuguesa, but, when I tried to learn more (through KZbin videos), I noticed that some people use some signs that are different from what I learned. When I was watching this video and you mentioned the signing style, I immediately thought about those differences and that helped me understand why different people use different signs (or signing styles). I think it would be helpful if you could give us some examples of Ryan's unique signing style and what comes in the textbooks. Thank you so much for your videos and for giving an insight of the deaf community. I have to confess that I always watch your videos twice: in the 1st one I use the closed captions to know what Ryan is expressing, in the 2nd I mostly focus on Ryan's face because I already know what he's saying and I love to see his facial expressions and try to match that with what he's saying. Stay safe! Love from Porto (Portugal)

[@AdventureJenny]

I recently found your videos and I am learning so much! You've given me so much perspective! I appreciate and value your vulnerability and willingness to share! Thank you!

[@allysunshine9485]

Oh my gosh you guys... such a sweet, great video. So inspired by your relationship. Happy for you 💗

[@daniellegoodleaf3804]

Loving your videos. You share such great insights. I am learning to sign (very beginner) as well, and watching your videos definitely help! Thank you for sharing 😊

[@dffulmer1]

I have noticed that some people like to have deep conversations, and others do not. They just do not want to go there for whatever reasons. Your are fortunate to have found one another and can vibe together like you enjoy.

[@strawberriiemilk]

im currently in a ASL class and this vid helped me get some tips!

[@jennifertuley4273]

You two are very inspirational and it is obvious that the bond you guys share is deep and very real. Thank you for sharing your lives with us. And thank you for sharing Java with us, she is a super smart puppy. Youve done so good with Java that the next educational adventure you can teach us is dog training using ASL!

[@BeauMeztli]

I love watching your videos!

[@christinegabriela4277]

I love your bond together and your story is so beautiful 🤩 I think nowadays so many people have relationships without that "bonding phase" to really get to know your partner and mostly during living together or after a certain time they find out it's not working anymore so your bonding time is really a beautiful base of a relationship, many people should take this video as an example how to find your soulmate 🥰 love you guys ❤ ps: on the current germany's next topmodel is a contestant who is deaf and I already love her! She is beautiful and shows the life of a young deaf woman wanting to be a supermodel 🤩 really proud of the evolution of inclusion on TV

[@helene1288]

You are amazing, I love how well you both comunicate! I even showed this to my bf to get him to understand about why I find eyecontact so important, my explainations just haven´t been enough, but i think he got it after watching you two :) All the best to all three of you

[@sagbrady8414]

Born parially deaf in left ear & i had surgery but learned lip reading..I have seen things i shouldn't have heard..I was always interested in sign language but could not find a place near to learn...you renewed my interest..

[@tylerladd2804]

I feel the love in your video :) it's inspiring

[@lily117j4]

it’s crazy to think that couple years ago i seen you guys here in yt and thought y’all’s relationship was nice to now im talking to someone who’s deaf and im trying to learn sign 😊

[@SignDuoChannel]

That’s awesome 👏🏻

[@Hisgrace4me]

Eye contact is part of being an active and engaged listener and respectful. This is true for both the hearing and the deaf. The word you are looking for is "Sparse". You are a very sweet couple.

[@jaciecrivea7356]

I just have to say before I even finish the video- Ellen your skin is GLOWING😍

[@SignDuoChannel]

lol thanks 😜

[@heyhey4163]

I have been learning asl though the internet for almost a year and a I love it, your channel has really helped me learn because I have the one person signing pse and taking then when Ryan signs I try to understand without captions and it is a test. I love it because I can actually understand without captions now ❤❤❤😃

[@carolinepoll643]

Hey guys! We have a week away from valentine's day, so happy valentine's day to you in advanced.

[@remylux5019]

I love your videos! They inspire to keep going after my goal which is to become an ASL interpreter 😊❤️

[@sunnysims4071]

First: can’t believe I’m early! Yay 😃 Second: you guys are such an inspiration, even though I am not deaf nor do I know someone who is deaf I think you guys are an inspiration because you want people to help our community grow and you are the reason I (and many more people) want to learn sign language.

[@SignDuoChannel]

🥺 thank you

[@SpecialgiftsLA]

I found you both at perfect time since last week. Love how the universe helps and bonds us even with just a phone and I resonate with what you are saying here and that feels amazing. Love you guys too Ellen. xxLi A

[@luvgoldens12]

I cant exactly describe why but this video was really good and really touching

[@bemak78]

Scarce . Just wanted to say. You guys are awesome.

[@eveecutefunny]

I am so early love how you two talk about your relationship

[@amywestbeld9968]

Enjoyed watching this!

[@dunbizl]

I hope you two get married you have a really special bond. Just two beautiful people , true class. Many blessings!

[@SignDuoChannel]

thank you I appreciate your blessings!

[@briannaberger755]

Watching you guys’s videos helps me improve my own sign! Since in this crazy Covid world my own classes for ASl we aren’t allowed to have deaf events :( Sooo I just wanted to say thanks!❤️🤟🏼

[@priyadarshinimanoharan9681]

I recently saw a short film called "The Silent Child" and learnt the importance of sign language. If you had time, I would love if you guys watched it too... "The Silent Child" - Oscar winning short film.

[@emzi5941]

Love that film! So sad tho

[@kaylastein7641]

I hope this isn’t offensive (all in love) but I find the clicking noises Ryan makes when signing to be soothing. It’s so evident the connection you two have. ✨

[@tdadventures]

Love watching your videos. Sending lots of caring and love your way.

[@AthanKaiAltair]

I was gonna comment on the eye contact thing and falling in love/creating a stronger bond, but had to look it up cos I thought it was made up by some random person but you brought it up in the video which made me smile like a Cheshire cat! :D

[@ashleyemmell577]

I am in beginner asl 2 this semester and I love watching your videos trying to learn more!

[@wisegirledits9121]

I love you guys!

[@ClutchFN.]

Truly amazing I hope you guys strive even more than you already have!😁😁

[@SignDuoChannel]

thank you we will try our best. hehe

[@michaelhammer5099]

always enjoy watching your KZbin videos and you both are amazing and great content. I sure hope after this virus is over I can make friends with a deaf person.