Do We Use Sign Language In our Dreams?

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As a deaf and hearing couple who use sign language we get asked, "Do we also dream in sign language?" That's an interesting question, and we answer it and other related questions in this video.
Music:
Epidemic Sounds
David Cutter: www.davidcuttermusic.com / @dcuttermusic
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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.
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[@bleonard1803]

This was really interesting topic that I never really would’ve thought of before for some reason. But I also feel a bit the same as you guys. Although I am in a wheelchair in real life, I never am in my dreams but I also don’t see myself walking in my dreams either. It’s very strange how the brain works.

[@RobinHood70]

Similar here. I have Celiac both IRL and in my dreams, but I'm chronically ill only in reality and not in my dreams. The Celiac is really a minor inconvenience at best for me, but the illness is life-altering, so I guess it kind of makes sense why I don't have that in my dreams.

[@hithere2295]

I wish that I could see in my dream but at the same time since I’m not completely blind it like kind of dot of blurry colour

[@jendubay3782]

I think she’s just admitting she has a thing for your eyes 🤣👀 admittedly, they’re pretty!

[@carlasuannelockett1694]

I have to agree with you about this! Sorry Ellen💜💜

[@jendubay3782]

I’m just learning ASL, and twice my gf has said I’ve signed in my sleep: tired squid, and more money, more (female dogs) 🤣

[@SignDuoChannel]

haha that's so weird/funny/cooL!

[@jendubay3782]

@@SignDuoChannel to be fair, I also talk in my sleep, and I sleep walk. It’s not out of my weird, weird nightly wheelhouse 🤣

[@princessangel821]

I mean...squid is delicious, i'd dream about it too lol

[@shellibabick]

I’ve heard a lot of blind people always see in their dreams. ❤️ I’m deaf and I always hear in my dreams.

[@jellybellyfun3288]

What do the sounds sound like? Do you think the sounds are identical to what hearing people hear? Or, something else? If it's too insensitive of a question, then there's no need to reply.

[@patrioticamerican8114]

@@jellybellyfun3288 Great question being deaf has degrees.

[@lemonstrangler]

yeh it seems dreams always tend to explore the opposite reality, very interesting.

[@Hydraas]

Question: when I'm reading something, I say the words in my head in my voice and I know this phenomenon is common but not universal. Do you do something equivalent? Like do you see yourself signing in your head when reading or do you hear a voice (either your own or someone else's) or is this concept foreign to you?

[@annemariequinn7894]

Yes, I need to know!

[@lindzbreezyoh]

I've actually Googled that before. I get bored and Google the most random stuff. Per Google, they do see sign language when they read. Idk how true it is though.

[@GarnetsWeb]

For me when I'm reading and my internal dialogue is going, I usually slightly move my tounge unconsciously, as if I'm saying the words. I wonder if in addition to seeing sign language, if they possibly move their hands a little as well.

[@hbaratta]

In my ASL class, we had a conversation about inner dialogue, and our Deaf professor said Deaf people don't tend to have an inner dialogue. But I guess there's a phenomenon with hearing people as well where some people do and some don't. I thought it was all very interesting

[@leanderdato4764]

I'm hearing, but I'm able to read without saying the words in my head. Like I register them visually and undertand the meaning, I could imagine it being similar for a deaf person

[@Judymontel]

I noticed recently in several dreams (because I was trying to write them down and remember them) that often I just understood in my head what people meant and I don't actually recall hearing anyone saying anything with their mouths. Interesting things, dreams!

[@riseandshaun]

I’m learning ASL, and one night I practiced a lot right before bed. All night I kept waking myself up by signing in my sleep and either getting tangled in the blankets or smacking myself in the face. Ever since then, I try not to practice that late lol.

[@kiddiex3]

😂😂😂 that actually made me laugh out loud

[@paige3470]

Same! 😂 that’s funny

[@SnickersEatsCookies]

Hahaha oh no! 😂

[@prakaashjayabalan208]

hey, that happened to me .lol

[@jaimee32]

Hey it’s been ten months since you wrote this, just wondering how far through you are?

[@Half_Blood_Hufflepuff]

Java is so cute ❤️

[@emaliewarnick]

I’m hearing, but since I learned ASL I have dreams in sign language occasionally. Usually I am signing and someone deaf is signing back to me and I understand the conversation in ASL, I love when I dream in sign!

[@raeanncarbajal6287]

I'm learning ASL and normally I do talk in my sleep. One night I was dreaming that I was talking to a friend who is deaf at church. My husband woke me up and said it looked like I was fighting someone off, moving my hands all over the place! 🤣 Dreams are amazing

[@sammykeyes1087]

😂 That's awesome

[@Dragonslayer_21]

Speaking of sign language and dreams I had a dream the other day and in the dream two of my family members were doing sign language. Thing is is that I don’t know any sign language 😑

[@SignDuoChannel]

that's interesting!

[@jeleynad9595]

Lol that happens to me as well. I think it's because I try to learn sign because I want a way to communicate to my brother without our parents knowing, so it's always him and I signing lol

[@leanderdato4764]

had a similar dream, where i was mute and signed but i don't know sign irl, so all the signs were just weird gestures

[@katebytheocean8372]

I study Spanish and French and speak them at the advanced and intermediate level respectively. I dream in both languages every now and then! I haven't studied much ASL yet and no ASL dreams either. Maybe in nights to come!

[@yoly_sky]

Wow, Spanish is my first language but I don't remember a time when I dreamed in Spanish. All my dreams are in English.

[@lemonstrangler]

@@yoly_sky same here

[@WingedAsarath]

I've only ever dreamt in another language once. I studied French for my GCSE exams, and while I was revising in the weeks before the exam, one night I had a dream that was totally in French, with everyone speaking French (even those who only ever spoke English IRL). It was really cool and I'm sad I've never had the experience again.

[@misterguyman9669]

Lifeprint (along with your channel) is the perfect combination for ASL learning.

[@reeree7144]

I just wanted to say I’m so thankful for y’all! I am hearing, and my mom used to be an interpreter, so I’ve always known a little bit of sign language, but I’ve recently made a few deaf friends at work. Over the past four months I’ve progressed immensely and I’m now able to have full conversations with my new friends and even interpret (badly) when they ask me to. Watching you all sign really helps my conversational sign skills and I think you two have such a beautiful relationship☺️ Thanks a ton!🤟

[@catherine9255]

A friend at my school is hard of hearing, and I started learning ASL before I even knew her! It’s awesome for us to communicate with sign, and I love learning ASL through your vids :)

[@angelicat292]

I found your channel like 2 days ago and I felt so interested on learning signing language that currently I know the alphabet (learning by myself), love your channel! Peace, take care guys!

[@internetchocolate6733]

Java is adorable 🥰

[@araw_buwan]

I've never dreamed in ASL before, but sometimes I catch myself signing to myself in places where I can't talk to myself. I have a habit of talking to myself when I'm alone, but sometimes I just sign it because I know no one will hear me. It's really nice!

[@patchouliodonovan9529]

I am by no means fluent, but I had a deaf client for about a year that I worked fulltime with, so was speaking a lot of (his very limited and often adaptive) sign every day, I worked alongside a fluent hearing colleague (so was always learning and improving) and we would also sign to each other for his benefit, we were aiming to increase his vocabulary and social skills as well, so I was used to narrating what I was saying or doing in sign (no matter how trivial). I still occasionally catch myself signing one-word answers like 'thankyou', 'okay' and 'yes' to people absent-mindedly. Thinking on it, it appears to happen more in situations where I may struggle to be heard (for example across a busy road), but it never occurred to me until reading your comment. Some part of my brain knows it would be effective to communicate visually in those situations, but I guess the part that's like 'no dumb dumb they don't speak asl' sometimes isn't paying attention lol I also was in a very stressful situation with a different (hearing) client a few months later and when I was panicked, began signing to my (non-asl) colleague without thinking about it (until he shrugged blankly and gave me a 'wtf' look and I realised I was trying to sign to him) which was also interesting.

[@araw_buwan]

@@patchouliodonovan9529 That's really interesting! I don't know what the scientific explanation of this is, but it's certainly a pleasant feeling when you realize that you're starting to integrate a language more and more in your life to the point of it becoming a reflex.

[@MinSunYe]

I haven't practiced or used sign in the past few years, excluding one time where an old deaf couple came into my work a year ago and my signing was rusty from not using it. And yet I still ALWAYS have dreams in sign in so many of my dreams. Not all, but maybe 40%, 20% in another language I know, and the other 40% in English. It's usually just me signing in the dream but sometimes the other person, whoever it is, signs back to me. It's crazy how often I have dreams in sign despite not having an opportunity to use it for a few years. So my dreams definitely let me know it's still there in my memories somewhere 😅

[@15ukuleles94]

Man I haven’t watched one of your videos since my junior year of highschool. Almost 4 years later and I’m in an interpreter training program now. I didn’t need the captions at all to understand Ryan. I really didn’t realize how much my receptive skills have improved, wow!

[@jhill2828]

ASL is such a cool language, I'm actually really happy that I'm learning it right now in school

[@hallwayoatmeal]

I totally agree, and same here! It’s my new favorite class :) something about ASL clicks with me and it’s really fascinating to learn

[@jhill2828]

@@hallwayoatmeal it really is since I had my first class I have been going over the abc and sign random words that I see

[@hallwayoatmeal]

@@jhill2828 me too, it’s really fun

[@rileypart1]

Happy Tuesday Ellen & Ryan!!

[@SignDuoChannel]

Happy Tuesday!

[@SpecialgiftsLA]

Hi. I found you both last week. I have always felt a strong pull toward signing. I often find that when something is 'harder' to do it is more accurate..I love communication..feeling and visual cues are what I used most as a timid person..now I enjoy language more. It makes me so happy to see you guys. The best birthday gift for 2022..my 48. I have seen afew videos now and will be watching your new chapter and hopefully learning. I am british. Does it matter if I want to learn Asl.? You inspire me. Love LA x

[@EkaantMeinSaantvana]

The way you two look at each other gives me serotonin.

[@wonsikbrah]

Super interesting topic! I'd love to see how that changes for me personally as I use sign more and feel like I get more fluent, etc. Also everyone yes, go buy the hoodies. They are super soft on the inside and I love mine!

[@ChipsandWontonfeathers]

Thanks for posting on this question. I've wondered about it myself. I only have one Deaf friend, who says she doesn't know if she "sleep signs" because her dog has never told her! 😄 I love these videos and the sweatshirts are awesome. 🤟

[@carlasuannelockett1694]

Glad I decided to check KZbin one more time before I try to snuggle in for the night before trying to sleep.

[@jhcofd6655]

Love the video, love watching y'all. So intrigued to watch, great content

[@salmaN-yv4zb]

I missed you guys so much 😭😭😭😭 Please post more often

[@Jay-op7co]

Just ordered one of your hoodies :). Third year taking ASL, very grateful I came across your channel. Love y’all channel and relationship🙏🏾❤️

[@gloriaklopping8713]

Nice to see all three of you again! Happy family

[@NATUREFORTRESS]

[@carlasuannelockett1694]

Hi from Oklahoma feels like it's been awhile since I saw a new upload from u guys

[@jaciecrivea7356]

I’m so happy the hoodies are back! I just bought the Mauve I’m so excited! As usual an amazing and educational video, much love 🤟🏼❤️

[@selinarwhal93]

I love watching you guys! I been in love with sign language and Deaf community for 20 years now! It is such a passion of mine!

[@thatprincesschannel6787]

I love looking at you guys because it's so quiet and peaceful sometimes💜 and its different from others

[@michelleaksel935]

I love you guys so much!!!!

[@Carl_SA]

Yay u posted i love you guys 😍😍😍

[@ToplessTopics]

that couch looks so comfy

[@pauldawson9277]

Ive been on this channel for 20 minutes and I love it! My mother has been deaf my whole life of 31 years and this channel reminds me so much of our interactions (minus dating of course) Instant subscriber here! I look forward to more great content!

[@jamiegould689]

I just found you. Thank you so much for sharing your world with us. Your both beautiful in and out 💜

[@ultimateships]

5:48 when he waved to you where you leaned closer to him omg my heart melted😭 you two are so perfect for eachother❤️

[@galaxiispice]

Hey Ellen and Ryan! I just wanted to say thank you for you guys' amazing videos! I am a level 2 American Sign Language student, and watching these videos really help me learn more efficiently. Btw, great video! :)

[@lindanami]

Can you take us with you guys and make a vlog style vid? I love to see you guys interact in everyday life stuff 😭

[@ginibelle1416]

Hey , good to see you guys , I missed you both also Java ... love and hugs from UK

[@deyaniii]

Yay I'm glad yall made another video!And also I love your dog!What type is it?

[@DouglasPiperASMR]

I love ur videos. I used to sign all the time cause I couldn’t talk when I was younger and I was really insecure. Y’all’s videos helped me become more secure about signing and just being myself and not working about what everyone else thinks of me. U guys are amazing and I hope u guys keep making videos and making people happy and informed about deafness and just the struggles people with disabilities go through. I also have a disability with my heart. And this gives me the strength to be myself

[@sarahgordino6695]

This video caught my attention. Really great question/theme.

[@erinmetcalf1844]

I just started watching your vids. I saw some from way back when you were going to drive thru and you explained to veiwers why you chose to do that other than go in... you should never have to explain yourself. You do what you want. Nobody else has to explain why they go to drive thru... I hate so many people have such struggles because others can't take a second to be helpful. Thanks for sharing your experiences.

[@NathaniaDemecillo]

You guys are such wonderful people. I enjoy watching your videos. Have a great year of 2022!

[@hugobipbop1953]

Aaaah I feel happy whenever I watch your videos, thank you for the good vibes~

[@SignDuoChannel]

Thanks for watching and chilling with us

[@zeke8997]

Not sure about physically signing in my sleep, but I've had several dreams where myself and the people around me are signing and I'm hearing. Always weird trying to remember what the hell was going on lol

[@CamilaSaurus]

I’ve actually been thinking about you guys recently because I kept seeing the name Ellen pop up somewhere and it made me wonder what was up with you guys! Glad to see you’re both doing well, and thanks for answering such a fascinating question!

[@annar4955]

New to this channel and I love it but I wish you would translate more of what he is saying! Watching this video makes me wanna learn ❤️

[@SignDuoChannel]

Hey Anna welcome to Sign Duo! There are subtitles on all of our videos, you just have to click the "cc" button.

[@annar4955]

@@SignDuoChannel oh ok 👍 thanks

[@maegan22]

Great question, and very interesting answers! Thanks for sharing!

[@sarahparker3790]

I actually sign in my dreams often, but it tends to be one of those “quicksand” dreams. I’m trying to sign to someone and my hands become stiff and my fingers won’t move like I have horrible arthritis and I’m unable to communicate. It’s usually an emergency situation too, like I’m trying to tell someone there’s a tornado coming, or there is a lost child and I’m trying to connect him with his parents, or in my dreams I am deaf and I am slowly losing the ability to communicate because my hands are locking up. (I am not deaf or hard of hearing, but have taken signing classes to use in the preschool classroom with student who are non verbal or deaf. I am not fluent but functional.)

[@yoly_sky]

Hello! I just found your KZbin today...I mean yesterday cuz it's 4am and I've now watched all your vids, LoL. Ofc I subscribed, you two ( 3 including Java) are an inspiration and fun. I learned some ASL when I was a kid, had an uncle that was HH, and I'm teaching my nieces and nephews the ABCs and what ASL i know. Watching you is helping me remember some of the language, thank you! Keep up the amazing work!! ❤️👍

[@isabellebrooke3565]

I’ve progressed so much in my sign language. Your videos really keep me going! I am able to communicate everything but sometimes need to look up vocabulary. I hope you guys are doing well and staying safe🤍

[@SignDuoChannel]

That's awesome Isabelle! we're glad that our vids are useful to you :) We are doing well, hope the same for you

[@ifellinahole35]

Fascinating topic! I just started seriously working on my ASL skills and just last night I had a dream that I was in an actual ASL class and we were practicing signing about our travel plans. Looked it up later - my brain made all those signs up - or at least none of them mean what they meant in the dream. But it was interesting to see that my brain is trying to put the pieces together!

[@anneuldahl]

Great question that I also have been thinking about. Mostly because being in an international relationship, I used to dream in many languages (don't notice differences now though), and I also have difficultly reading books, reading maps or any written instructions while dreaming (I will just fail at what I am trying to do or get lost)

[@magenta6512]

I purchased the OG sweater long ago in an oversized size and it is the most comfy zip up sweater I own. It is perfect for lounging. I highly recommend it.

[@breahope18]

I’m Deaf. I really love your channel and Java is so cute!❤️

[@lnctommy]

what a fun question! i started watching sign duo after feeling out of practice with my ASL (i'm hearing and used to work in customer service with a lot of Deaf clients, but not for a few years). now i like to watch on mute with my dog - she loves seeing Java, lol! anyway, thanks Ryan and Ellen for another great video.

[@SamanthaDiane]

This is interesting. 🙂 When I was studying to become an interpreter I would sign in my dreams about a quarter of the time. I studied another language for two years and never dreamt in that language, but I hated it, it was a forced class, and to this day I only remember like 3 words. I loved ASL though. I had to drop out years ago for personal reasons, but every now and then I'll still dream in sign.

[@JulesUS8386]

That’s very interesting. I have never thought of that question. You both teach so much and do it very well! Thank you ❤

[@Kandibliss86]

I’m hearing asl interpreter and I remember when I started dreaming in ASL as well 😩 it was interesting. I’m use to it now

[@lll-w]

happy tuesday

[@SignDuoChannel]

thanks! happy Tuesday

[@tastetestwithtony9443]

I love skillshare. Very helpful in my learning asl. This was a very interesting video. Something i had wondered about

[@ashley_0412]

So recently I stumbled across your channel and I watched some your vlogs and I can relate so much I am Japanese! My fiancé is able bodied and I have cerebral palsy. I can relate to you guys hope you post another video soon!!!!

[@kiraca.]

That's really interesting. I'm learning ASL currently, and I use ASL in my dreams somewhat frequently for some reason.

[@crystalbetancourt85]

Loved this

[@nofisatwasiu4440]

Yay y’all posted😄

[@SignDuoChannel]

hello!

[@TwoOnlyChildrenxoxox]

Yay! A whole video based on my question! :) Thank you!

[@SignDuoChannel]

Awesome I'm glad we were able to answer! :D

[@arachnipope]

I never even thought about people signing in dreams. Good topic, Very interesting.

[@ninjojo5231]

I love your videos

[@conservative4561]

Would never have thought about that ! Cool

[@RobinHood70]

It's interesting hearing you guys talk about how dreaming works for each of you. I have a similar experience in my own dreams, sort of. I have both Celiac Disease and I'm chronically ill (ME/CFS). In my dreams, I'm sometimes aware that wheat and so forth are bad and I shouldn't have them, but I'm NEVER chronically ill in my dreams. Not sure why one and not the other. Wishful thinking, maybe?

[@Hana_j_93]

Java looked like "now its my time to shine, this is now my channel" 🤭🤭🤭 so cute awwww also sitting halfly on the side :D my dog did too when he was younger

[@samelis6546]

I just love it when they got Java and even after all this time, I still don't get tired of their relationship dynamic. Keep it up guys! I miss the lofi vibe/edits though, those vids always feel special even if it's shot at home.

[@SwedudeEPIC]

1:02 I felt that right in mein heart

[@vanessahartsuff3328]

Im deaf and when i dream i see the lip movements and i get whats going on i dont sign hardly at all ever because i read so well so when others sign im lost mostly but you guys are a big help to me keep the videos coming.

[@LinneaRitland]

omg best intro ever I even rewatched it right away

[@maclainepowell]

I took 3 years of ASL classes high school and back then I had a couple super vivid dreams where I was signing the whole time, but now that I don't use it every day they are a lot more rare.

[@Jose-jg8cr]

ASL is good I am studying every day by youtube and English and Spanish words. Hearing people if they do not know sign language to help deaf people should go to the course to learn before teaching sign language. I love the coat and sweater look very nice.A hug greetings from panama.

[@susanaporto454]

I never thought about this, but it's really interesting to know how you see communication when you are dreaming.

[@Familylawgroup]

I researched this issue related to blind an deaf sleepers and I learned that it depends what age they lost their sense. Those who could hear or see before around as of age 5 or 6 usually still dreamt with that sense. However, if they never could hear or see then their dreams don’t contain the sense because their brain has no framework of reference. This also makes sense with the “inner dialogue” understanding that you both have without reading signs or lips or hearing speech. The message is innately known because your brain is creating the conversation. You don’t need to “discover” the conversation in your dream - it is always there limited by a time frame of reference as your brain unfolds it. If you try to recall your dreams you might also notice you don’t walk “room to room” like in real life. You appear in rooms or locations.

[@lyktahlyktah8528]

I’m deaf and found this video very interesting. When I dream no one signs either or actually “speaks” it’s also like we “psychical “ just know what is being said between people in my drama abs no need to speak or sign. I wasn’t sure if this was because I was deaf and have read lips since I was a child.

[@NovasYouTubeName]

Thanks for another great video! Thanks for sharing. Gotta make videos more often you almost missed the “sign duo out”! 😉😆.

[@SignDuoChannel]

thanks for the comment! Lol yeah need to get back to doing videos. What kind of vids would you want to see?

[@NovasYouTubeName]

@@SignDuoChannel hey thanks for the response! ;). I’m a Deaf culture enthusiast, so I’d love some content about your experience (past and present) with SEE, PSE, and ASL and when you’ve used each, what you prefer to use when etc! 😄❤️. Thanks Ryan and Ellen I love your channel!

[@NovasYouTubeName]

@@SignDuoChannel would also love to see what you guys are up to for jobs and hobbies these days :). Or “take us with you” on an adventure! Thanks Ryan and Ellen

[@clairesartworks]

I would love to see what a day in the life of Ryan is like. Like a video with no talking even, just a video about his life and what the world is like from his perspective. I think that would be so interesting and informative! Much love to you both, stay safe and well in these difficult corona times! 😁❤️

[@chonam3913]

Java reminds me so much of my dog! I love her and don’t even know her. My dog has that same sassy attitude 😂

[@sandieM27]

When I dream I never see anyone's face, but I just know who it is anyway. Dreams are the weirdest things sometimes :)

[@partygirlautumn]

I've been taking ASL in school for almost two months and had my first dream last night in ASL! I was telling someone that I'm hearing. I was also speaking. Thought it was really cool. I'm in my third year of learning German as well and have had about a dozen or more dreams where I switch back and fourth between speaking English and German.

[@RaurXDberry]

I'm learning sign language for the last 3 months and I have learn That I'll now dream in sign language at times like it normal dreaming but sometimes enstead of talking it they'll sign instead witch is cool

[@NajSinghs]

I love you guys. ❤❤❤

[@harlybarly]

im learning asl and i cant wait to actually talk to deaf people! yall help!

[@michaelhammer5099]

I really enjoyed this video. how are you both?

[@Ozzy_2014]

I can explain.dreams from my.own experience of lucid dreaming. Everyone you see in the dream is just a puppet you feed them dialogue. They can never tell you anything you don't already know. The book of What Dreams may come is a lot more than what made it to film. Explaining the afterlifenin great detail. Dreams are the key. But yes you control everything in your dreams. That's why you don't need to talk. Or hear to communicate. Thanks for the video.

[@valerietan9304]

This is really helping me to try and learn how to sign certain words. 🤟

[@SignDuoChannel]

Glad our videos can be helpful to you :)

[@Rahaf_98]

i started watching the video without turning the subs on and I was so confused why I couldn't understand anything when I had no problem last week when I binged a few other videos.. 😂

[@beeduo870]

Hey! Happy Tuesday! Hope you have a great night/day