Is it Rude to Stare At Deaf People Signing?

[@queenpinkysfamily1618]

As a deaf person I find it normal for people to watch me when I'm using Sign language in public and I find they are not being rude most of the time its just something most people don't see every day.

[@LOLlotsandlots]

And as a hearing person, I can say I tend to catch myself staring at times and look away once I realize cuz even tho I don’t know much sign language, like barely anything, the people signing don’t know that and I think it can be seen as eavesdropping

[@queenpinkysfamily1618]

@@LOLlotsandlots It can be sometimes and it nice that you try not to be noisy 💙 it's also nice too when you meet people who know some sing language even if not deaf 😁 I love meeting new people that I dont have to struggle to communicate with because there is not many people who even care to try and learn so it's exciting.

[@loosilu]

I tend to watch because I think it looks so cool. I try not to stare!

[@queenpinkysfamily1618]

@@loosilu Ya it can be very cool to watch, I lip read more than anything these days just because I don't know many who can sign anymore 😅

[@queenpinkysfamily1618]

@@paperbag3347 Ya now that just rude at that point and No one should stare that long or in that way.

[@myheartgoesshalalalala9207]

This is interesting lol. I do admit I kinda stare a little whenever someone signs, not to judge but because I've always wanted to learn sign language for a long time now.

[@binaweide3543]

👉🏽 ME 😶 TOO 👈🏽

[@glxriia6319]

me too i'm just curious

[@cheesy24]

Same here

[@hazysaturn7924]

same, i saw someone at a resturant a few days ago signing and i was looking cuz i was interested. edit: but they weren’t eating

[@melokebeni2784]

Same

[@JustCallMeBo1]

*I always thought it was a little rude because it can be seen as rude to stare in general, but if you know sign and you're looking it seems like eavesdropping to me. If a person signs to me, I'll sign back what I can, but I always want to respect their privacy.*

[@darci4434]

In my opinion yh ppl r rude when staring at me but they didn't mean to

[@AK-hr9pm]

I'm a CODA (Child of Deaf Adult) and my parents are deaf. If we catch people staring, we stare right back at them and they stop staring lmao, it's pretty funny. They get the taste of their own medicine..

[@darci4434]

@@AK-hr9pm yess I did that sometimes soo hilarous

[@LavendarRoses]

@@darci4434 yes me too. 😀 That's a simple solution to make the "starers" feel uncomfortable if deafies don't want to be stared at.

[@juliarunn5009]

@@AK-hr9pm that’s funny 😂😂 I love that

[@juliajohnson8576]

I'm taking ASL 100 right now and we had a discussion about social media and the deaf community. I brought up your channel and how it has helped me understand more about the deaf community and ASL overall. It was an awesome feeling when another classmate knew who yall were too! You guys inspire me daily

[@SignDuoChannel]

No way that’s awesome 😋 glad our vids can help ❤️

[@Freckles_asl0587]

Hahaha my husband always sees when ppl stare at us signing. He calls his peripheral vision Deaf vision and that it's his super power.

[@SignDuoChannel]

hahaha deaf vision 😜😂

[@c.b.411]

Hahahahaha

[@guccimanx7214]

@Waldel Martell fr even on the blind spot,u still can feel people staring at u when u signing 🤣

[@Freckles_asl0587]

@Waldel Martell I've noticed that being together with my husband for 7+ yrs. He has better use of his peripheral vision then I do.

[@lyndavonkanel8603]

😄

[@deafdancingdreamer]

I’m deaf and I think that it depends on the situation. You might be staring but not have any judgmental or bad thoughts. But it can still make the person/people you’re staring at extremely uncomfortable. Sometimes I just want to blend in and not have people looking at everything I do, but it’s kind of hard because people are curious. But curiosity can make people uncomfortable. So my advice is to not stare at anyone, and if you do and they seem uncomfortable, try talking to them. Don’t just leave it as it is because they’ll probably be thrown aback and pretty uncomfortable if you just stare.

[@arandomgirl306]

I saw someone signing when I was younger and I just smiled and stared in awe. I thought it was like a superpower or something.

[@SignDuoChannel]

@@paperbag3347 exactly how I feel!! 💯

[@iwtwyas2015]

When I was still in high school I saw a group of 4 deaf friends doing sign language animatedly and I was amazed by it, but then they saw me staring at them and I think they felt embarrassed because they stopped signing and started typing on their phones instead. Now I'm trying to learn ASL so that I'll be able to communicate with deaf or mute people and tell them not to be ashamed doing ASL in public, besides I think it's an awesome language to learn. I feel more human by learning it

[@mydogeatspuke]

I know this was a long time ago, but I thought it was important to note that it can sometimes seem like someone is staring at you when in reality they haven't even seen you and are just looking in your general direction. I think not being so hyper aware of your own insecurities and projecting that negativity onto others is far more important than trying to control the world around you, because you can change one of those things and it will make you feel a lot better in yourself.

[@roberto9787_]

Aweeeee Ryan & Ellen are the best couple they’re so cute together as they do everything together with Java

[@DivinityFallen]

I never thought about people signing loudly until you mentioned it and it makes so much sense

[@lyndavonkanel8603]

Yeah, it's possible to shout in sign.

[@ezragreiner8065]

damn Ryan's peripheral vision is excellent. its like he has eyes on the side of his head.

[@TheRealKyle]

or the rear view mirror... haha... honestly amazing.. wish i had good vision like his...

[@gimygaming8655]

Right?! I can't see far away at ALL and I have almost no peripheral vision at all.

[@ocarrollcian]

What really stuck me is that (a) we all have this *ability* but just haven't the skill/experience at using it and (b) he has *accurate* peripheral vision - he was basically doing an alphabet eye test perfectly. I think most of us would just notice something like "there's a big red blob moving fast on my left"...but I definitely couldn't read a sign without looking right at it. Great to hear that we can develop it with training and signing is a great way. I can see why he's such a good driver.

[@gimygaming8655]

@@ocarrollcian true for most. My vision is so bad. Something with the shape of my eyes because one of them is shaped wrong and is causing me not to. Also, isn't it true that if you don't have one sense then other ones are better to make up for it?

[@ak5659]

@@gimygaming8655 From what I've read it's not that a Deaf person physically sees more , but that a Deaf person has higher % of brain cells assigned to processing visual information than a hearing person typically does.

[@nathanmendelsohn37]

I’m learning sign and want to be an avid supporter of the deaf community and I find myself watching people sign just to learn and because I love to see people signing in public I have to stop myself and say don’t be weird haha!

[@stacewalker6529]

I just recently started learning ASL. I live in South Africa and there is really not a deaf culture here, so it is so nice to see the deaf culture normalized. My goal is to watch your videos with the captions off! 😂 Thank you for expanding our knowledge!

[@SignDuoChannel]

You can do it Stace! Thanks for the kind comment and support :D

[@mariad4267]

Content I never knew I needed but I'm so glad I found. I'm a Child of a Deaf Adult (CODA) - my mom is hearing and my dad is Deaf. They aren't together anymore but when they were my mom often recieved comments commending her for being with a Deaf man. It used to frustrate her so much because it was so dehumanizing to him and she was with him simply because she loved him. It warms my heart so much to see you two using this platform because maybe it will allow more people to be a bit more educated and less likely to make comments that my family recieved. I feel a bit emotional coming across this channel! I'm sure there are other channels out there similar to yours but I found yours first so thank you for providing representation.

[@anthonyantao7937]

Ellen looks at Ryan with such admiration, I love it :) ❤

[@nyceyes]

I love to watch two people sign because I it totally relaxes me, it is mesmerizing, and because I don't know what is being communicated, no words can ever get in the way. Just the pure beauty of two people signing. ❤ I get the same feeling when watching someone write in Chinese or another foreign language. Relaxing and mesmerizing.

[@katekramer7679]

OMG Ryan's peripheral vision is bananas! That's wild!

[@SignDuoChannel]

Hahah hey gotta use my eyes more since my hearing isn’t as good

[@francescaherrero1013]

Yeah I can’t imagine what it’s like cause I sign with my friends we are all hearing and learning ASL from our deaf Professor but when we go in public and sign people stare and I don’t like it I can’t believe what it’s like for a deaf person everyday

[@kantimeowpaw4693]

I got a bad social anxiety. Whenever people staring, I ask my friend to go talk to them so they stop staring...I prefer people not stare. I get that some people interested learning sign language, I'm not saying stop learning sign language. but we not a rare pokemon so please don't stare at me ;-; If you interested, instead of staring. Like they say, ask if fine join conversation. If not, just let them have privacy. Not everyone fine with staring. To me it not rude but awkward when being stare.

[@calvin9187]

@@paperbag3347 well it wont stop...hopefully u get used to it someday

[@calvin9187]

@@paperbag3347 yeah I get what you mean, when they stare at you longer than usual. I'm deaf but I don't sign and wear hearing aids. Wearing them in public catches a lot of people's eyes and they stare way too long, and I find it creepy. Got long hair now so I don't have to deal with any of that lol. I dread the day I'll have to cut my hair, but hopefully by then I won't be as self-conscious about my hearing aids and be more accepting of myself. Can I ask if you are deaf/hoh btw if it's okay? Seems like an obvious question but I'm just wondering. 15/6/2021

[@calvin9187]

@@paperbag3347 I don't mind the questions, it's fine. Yes, I identify as deaf. I lost my hearing around 3 years old (still have residual hearing). I can speak and lipread well, thanks to the speech therapy I had when I was younger. I still struggle when there is loud background noise, group conversations or if the person is mumbling (can't forget masks too!). It can be difficult sometimes being oral, but it can be really convenient at times when I need it. It's a shame more people don't know some sign language (ASL, BSL etc), but at least more are making an effort and it's nice to see. Probably one of the reasons why I'm not learning Auslan to the full extent. Don't have anyone to practice it with, so it'll go to waste. (Will still learn some basics in case I come across someone who signs). So basically, I was mainstreamed. I have moderately severe deafness in my left ear and severe deafness in my right ear (but to a much greater extent - feels like it's profound. Sound/speech is incredibly muffled when someone speaks into my right ear without hearing aid). Thankfully, I have some powerful hearing aids that help a lot. With them on, it feels like I can hear 80% with my left hearing aid and 20% with the right aid. Honestly, I'm really lucky I got it for free here in Australia. Funny thing is, I didn't really care about wearing my hearing aids in public when I was younger. As I grew older, I started becoming more self-conscious and noticing the stares I got and how people treated me differently (very subtle) when they learnt I had hearing aids. I'm not a teenager yet I'm not really a full-fledged adult. With hearing aids on, I see myself as HoH. However, without them I can only hear loud sounds like someone raising their voice or the cymbals from a drum. Without hearing aids I view myself as deaf, due to only hearing moderate to loud sounds. I'm kind of stuck between both the deaf and hearing world, but I feel much more present in the hearing world, due to being raised oral I guess. I don't really mind being mainstreamed, but it has been frustrating and isolating sometimes 15/6/2021

[@JessicaSmith-bn1jp]

I just want to thank you guys so much for all the great videos! I am recently mute due to a vocal cord disorder, so my husband and I are learning ASL. Your videos are great practice and inspiration. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@SignDuoChannel]

Thank you I'm so glad we could be there for you guys. It's great that you and your husband are learning ASL!

[@toner37]

This video helped really as I never gave it much thought when I do see people signing. I have watched but try to not "stare" and smile a little as I observe them signing. But appreciate being given perspective from the other side as it were.

[@Lifeislyghte]

I think everything depends on the situation because, staring at “normal” people would be rude depending on who you are to those people/person. I think staring at deaf people signing would be rude as well unless you are mindful and have a question about it. Love this channel ❤️❤️

[@Bexinmo]

In these days of wearing masks everywhere all the time, I have a new appreciation for how much facial expression matters in conversation. I also realize I rely on lip reading more than I though, though I am not hearing impaired. Being able to see the face, get the nonverbal cues and the lip shape really do make a huge difference during a conversation.

[@ak5659]

@@TinaMay-rr6xi ... I'm an interpreter and I've definitely noticed a difference with masks. To me it seems like most people who sign with masks on subconsciously 'move' info that would normally be on their face to their hands. That's just my working theory at the moment to explain why with 75% of Deaf people masks don't seem to affect anything but with 25% it seems to make a huge difference. IMO, you've brought up a REALLY important point :-)

[@abbiecarter4192]

in my ASL class we were told that its eavesdropping and we shouldn't stare lol. All though is a beautiful language its listening in on a conversation

[@catherine-wyestael-9427]

I'm so glad you answered this question. I find signing absolutely beautiful. I don't stare if someone is eating or they're in a personal conversation, but if it's a group setting or like a public forum, a speech, or a concert, I really enjoy watching the person signing. It's an artful way of communicating and has a lot of graceful motions and typically conveys emotions more clearly than mere words.

[@HandsIntoHistory]

Interpreter here. One time my hubby and I were in a restaurant, and a Deaf couple were sitting right in my line of sight, and they were having a full blown argument (can't remember what it was about now, but I knew at the time cuz they were using all their sign space, so it was hard to miss the conversation, yikes)! I couldn't even look at my hubby cuz they were just in line at an angle over my hubby's shoulder. I couldn't figure out where to look! THAT was very awkward, and I only realized too late that I should have switched sides with my husband - would have solved the whole problem!

[@ytatman3218]

I like to watch sign language honestly. It makes me calm. Dunno why

[@SignDuoChannel]

Hahah it's kinda like ASMR

[@c8linlovesyew]

I never try to stare at people signing because I know its their private conversations, but I have always had an interest in learning. I took a class when I was 10/11 and remember only a few things, but I always seem to watch people signing when its a concert/speech/play anything that there is someone interpreting it. When we went to Disney a few years ago, there was a performance happening and I was so interested in watching how they could keep up with the music and singing.

[@jennwolfe5519]

Oh man, the interpreters at Disneyland are amazing. I studied ASL many yrs (like before SignDuo were even born) so I'm super rusty but always love seeing what I can still understand!

[@10OF9OFBORG]

Hi guys! I had never experience anyone stare at me or with friends but only some kids would walk up to me said “I am learning sign language “. I told her that’s awesome. She shock that I can speak I told her I am hard of hearing but my friend is deaf. That was it. Take care guys!

[@lighthousetravelers2246]

PLEASE COME BACK! I pray everything is okay with you guys. Just found your channel a few weeks ago and I'm already missing you guys. 🤟

[@SignDuoChannel]

we are doing just GREAT! needed a break from social media but we'll be BACK! 🤟

[@lighthousetravelers2246]

@@SignDuoChannel That's so good to hear (sorry, bad pun). 😬 I look forward to catching up with you guys thru your upcoming vids. Take care of yourselves and each other. 🤟

[@yuviaromero227]

I kind of feel really bad, I never meant to make people feel uncomfortable, I think it's really cool and I like learning new things, I feel like it's really interesting to watch and I get happy when I pick up a few frazes here and there, I don't mean to eavesdrop:( Sorry, love you guys🥰🥰

[@priscilaesteva6635]

My whole family speaks Spanish including me as our default language. We live in a very small mid west town where a VERY small amount of the population speaks anything other than English and we do get a lot of people stare at us and interrupt us to tell us that it’s cool that we are speaking Spanish. I consider that to be rude. Nobody wants to be stared at 😂😂

[@monserrath.5273]

Usually to me, when I speak Spanish in public (it's also my first language like you) They consider it as rude, and It's not that I am trying to be rude. Although some people think it's cool.. . . I think it's cool (sorry 😅 but it is cool to me to speak more than 1 language. So plz don't consider this as rude, because I mean it as a compliment)

[@jerusalem4492]

Hey, at least they aren’t telling you to “speak English, you’re in America” like many used to

[@monserrath.5273]

@@jerusalem4492 true lol

[@well....9621]

You are very kind to understand that some people are curious and cutting them slack for looking. In fact, no one likes to be stared at when it's the laser eyeball thing. Once I found myself staring at a young woman (I'm a middle aged woman) behind me in line at the store. When I realized it I was embarrassed but I just owned it. "Wow, I just realized I'm staring at you. I'm sorry and you must get this all the time but you have such unusual eyes. They're beautiful." It was actually cute. She blushed and thanked me then we chatted a bit. (you can get away with more stuff when you look like a mom :p ) Anyway. So kind of you to understand and answer this question and educate us on the shoulder turning thing. Do you find that most people know the difference between looking and STARING?

[@brainman67]

man as a guy I'd be so embarrassed if I were to get caught staring so I either look towards the sky down at my feet or past the person like when I'm walking down the street and I'm passing right by someone this happens on my way to and from work I just move off of the pathway and onto the grass or anywhere that isn't the sidewalk because I feel so nervous around another person I also feel it's more respectful one time I had an older lady tell me that I didn't need to move away because she wouldn't bite but I still cannot shake that habit I'm getting slightly better at not freaking out

[@elisei.c.4079]

@@brainman67 i love that ur being respectful but rlly u overcompensated for that creepy staring thing that ppl do

[@brainman67]

@@elisei.c.4079 i know it's hard for me it's really hard to look at others in the face especially women I'm taking medication but i might need to up the dose and on a better note i was able to ask a cashier about her day and she seemed happy i just have to keep trying

[@Not_An_EV]

@@brainman67 hey internet stranger... *YOU GOT THIS HOMIE*

[@brainman67]

@@Not_An_EV thanks I'll keep trying

[@carlosarizmendi6414]

Hey guys hope your staying safe with this virus much love and support 😊☺️

[@SignDuoChannel]

We are totally fine, getting out and having fun in the sun ☀️

[@LS-uc4bq]

@@SignDuoChannel Hello sign duo! I enjoy your channel so much and have been trying to learn asl your videos help alot! Anyways my dog just turned a year old and I have been teaching him terms in asl (ex.patience/wait, stay) we enjoy skateboarding together and he is ready when I say the word skate but I want to know if you can show us how to sign skateboarding or skate because the research I found is mainly ice-skating and I was wondering if there is a sign for skateboarding? If you can help explain my dog and I would really appreciate it😊 thank you for all your knowledge and awareness you spread daily on here I'm looking forward to the next video! 👋 @SignDuo

[@NovasYouTubeName]

Ryan! 😁 in this and other videos it’s so inspiring to see how you always give people the benefit of the doubt that their intentions are good. You’re so patient with people - love it! Ellen you add so much by sharing your perspectives too thanks you guys!

[@JustMe-wu2pz]

I am learning sign for my degree and today I was at a convention where a woman who is deaf had created a product specifically to help children learn basic sign. Anyway, I didn't know she was deaf, most of the ASL for kids creators don't seem to be. I was talking to one of the helpers about her products and explaining my career goals with my degree and noticed movement to my left. She was signing. I began to watch, hoping I wasn't being rude. I wasn't. I just wanted to watch someone who was deaf sign since all of my learning was book and professor knowledge. I nearly ran up to her and signed "I understand you, I understand you" when I was actually able to understand what she was saying. Of course she would have thought I was nuts so I just moved on. LOL. But it was so reassuring to realize my book knowledge and teacher knowledge was actually sticking. I was so worried about that. I appreciate your videos so much as they have not only given me a peek into your lives (you are just a fun couple), but I feel like I get a chance to practice my understanding of sign since outside of my course I don't have anyone who signs for me to practice.

[@brittanyb6889]

Omg thank you so much for addressing this topic! When I was younger I had never seen a live conversation in ASL before. I watched a pair of friends sign to each other over dinner and wondered if it was rude lol

[@katalystproductions6442]

I love how educational your videos are, I hope to learn more and more through your videos

[@elliefried9579]

I love hearing your answers Ryan! They are always so insightful.

[@johncollinge619]

Sign is so expressive, I had to laugh - thanks for showing us the whole experience! I wish we had a Toast, looks soo good.

[@leanderdato4764]

That was very interesting! I used to see a lot of deaf folks around where I lived and I was always fascinated by sign language, so I‘d always stare and it kinda feels bad, because you always get told, that staring at people is rude in general

[@adilalovedongho]

So the conclusion is don't stare at people when they're signing , it's privacy. For me, it's okay to stare like once, then enough

[@samanthalejarazo2052]

Wow it's very interesting! I'm from Mexico, I sign Mexican Sign Language, I wanna learn ASL, your channel will be a great help, you're awesome 👌🏼🙌🏼

[@whatsactuallygoingonhere7230]

Thank you so much for this video and for your entire channel!! This is a question I’ve been wondering about myself because I’m so fascinated by sign language that if I ever saw anyone signing in public, I would want to watch. Not to gawk and be disrespectful whatsoever, but just to see the language spoken in action. ❤️

[@Treesaw87]

You guys are always eating the most delicious looking foods! California restaurants make Florida seem so dull! 🤪

[@bladeworxgg]

Hope you all (Java included) feel refreshed and rejuvenated by the time you return. Just recently discovered your content and to be honest you two are awe inspiring. I'm sure there have been tons of others who have already said something akin to this and I'd like to join them in thanking you. Thank you for being a lighthouse, a beacon of positivity amongst a sea of uncertainty. I'll wrap it up with a big "Congratulations!" to the both of you, Ryan and Ellen, on finding each other.

[@ladyj9826]

I'd be fascinated with seeing sighning! Sorry for staring! Learning slowly.

[@monique2299]

I'm so glad you've given us the opportunity to 'watch' you guys communicating through a screen bc it's so fascinating to observe. and there's an entirely different level of intimacy that comes w having to maintain eye contact while you're signing to someone/reading their lips. love how you guys look at each other. so attentive and loving

[@ash_fire6932]

Watching these are so calming to me because I’m Partially deaf in both ears so it’s nice to learn and see sign from a different perspective.

[@mayuri_bansode]

That was some good information for the hearing people out there. Very well framed and explained.

[@SignDuoChannel]

Thanks Mayuri! glad the video was helpful :D

[@idkyolo988]

I hope it’s not cause if so I’m so sorry to all the people I stared at 🙏🏽

[@darci4434]

It ok yeah it rude but I know you didn't mean to

[@HotCheetoGirl_]

It's rude to stare at anyone lol.

[@HotCheetoGirl_]

But I am fascinated by every language do I sometimes watch people sign or listen to spanish speakers convos just to see if I can understand it.

[@idkyolo988]

@@darci4434 It was interesting watching people speak sign language and at the time I didn’t know what that was.😪

[@idkyolo988]

@@HotCheetoGirl_ Ik lol

[@sam.alva.]

This just happened to me at work! We had a couple come in, the lady was getting her hair done and I was trying to observe them signing without being too awkward. I am new to sign so I don’t know enough to have a conversation but was so so excited to take notice of the body language and facial expressions they used beyond just signing. I definitely tried to observe only brief glances and not stare cuz I didn’t want them to be uncomfortable but I just wanted to appreciate the beauty of sign.

[@MReyes1841]

The food montage was great! It made me hungry

[@mr.c8752]

Came for the topic but fell in love with the toast.

[@SignDuoChannel]

😂

[@camryncobb2741]

i just forget that it isn’t my conversation sometimes and start eavesdropping

[@mUriegas26]

Came here to get educated, didn't realize this video would make me realize how hungry I am 😩 Lol but seriously, thank you for this! I appreciate the honesty and the information. I have a friend who's parents are both deaf, she's not. And working together in a restaurant (pre-covid) I was always so in awe watching her sign to customers who were deaf. I hope I was never gawking, but to me it was like speaking Spanish. I am not fluent in either but I admire those who are. Something about listening/watching someone who's fluent is fascinating in a way of admiration (hopefully not disrespectful). It was also fun to see her light up when signing because her personality really shone thorough both speaking and signing, and I always thought it was amazing to watch. Hopefully, next time I encounter two people signing I will remember these tips just in case lol 😅

[@juliarunn5009]

I was about to start homework but then I saw that y’all posted and now I’m like “lol wat is homework?”

[@Apples22o]

im waiting for the day I run into you guys! one day I will meet y'all! thanks for your honesty Ryan! luv you guys!!!!

[@SignDuoChannel]

Lookin forward to that day :)

[@dffulmer1]

I am hearing. I was taught by family (also hearing) that it was rude to stare period. If there is a chance it might make someone uncomfortable....not a good idea. Interesting to see how others put qualifiers on that and have different perspectives.

[@Chocolatedestroyer98]

I’m so glad you guys answered this question. When I hang out with my deaf friends I always notice people staring at us snd they’re used to it and I’m not. I’m getting more used to it, but people also start talking and I’m the hearing friend so sometimes I have to look over and have a conversation with the people talking about us. Thank you for answering this question.

[@lexiiesparzaa]

i stare when people sign but because it’s so mesmerizing! i love watching people sign. it’s a beautiful language.

[@lauram519]

I totally understand the reasons behind not wanting people to stare. People stare at me when I sign but I do know it comes from a well intentioned place of curiosity, so I just ignore it.

[@rosiebluekite8401]

I’m starting to learn ASL and your videos have really been helpful as well as entertaining. You guys are an awesome couple, I love watching your videos!💕💕💕 When I was little and saw people signing for the first time in person. I was in a restaurant and stared quite a bit, hopefully they didn’t find it too rude.😅😅😅

[@rachelmccullough6779]

I am so excited! I am a junior in high school and I have been studying ASL for 3 years and I just took the bi-literacy test and I passed!!!!!! This means that I am fluent in ASL and English.

[@shaggy1881]

I just wanted to say that I really enjoy your channel. I am high functioning autistic and several of my kids are as well. My wife has mild hearing loss(~25% in one ear and ~50% in the other.) We use basic ASL with the kids(more, juice, hungry, drink, etc) and I am interested in learning more on the potential that my wife loses more or all of her hearing. This channel always brings up interesting viewpoints and topics. Thank you for making this channel.

[@jenicaparr1856]

I've gotten so used to putting closed captions on your videos that I am starting to put it on for others!😁

[@claireeyles7560]

As someone who is partially deaf, the one thing I find to be really annoying (and ignorant) from people is when I'm in a situation like being in a waiting area & I have to ask reception to let the person who will be calling my name/number to speak strongly and clearly (not just mumble at the ground), or if someone in a shop is trying to ask me a question but they have their back turned, or they're trying to talk to me from a distance, and I have to explain that I am hard of hearing & could they please face me, or move closer - and then they start talking, not just really, really loudly, but also ve-ry, ve-ry, slow-ly, like they-re talk-ing to a litt-le child (complete with patronising facial expressions and tone of voice). It's like 'I'm partially deaf, okay, I'm not stupid, you don't have to shout and you don't need speak to me like I'm developmentally delayed or anything'.

[@lyndavonkanel8603]

It's frustrating when I don't get what someone said and am told, "Oh, never mind" when I ask that what was said be repeated, too.

[@ramibryson3137]

Ok but that opening cinematography, wow! So smooth!

[@SignDuoChannel]

Thank you :D we worked hard on it

[@vannesavivanco]

I just finished my first semester of ASL and loved it. I started watching your channel before I took the class and it feels so good to finally understand what you’re signing. It took a lot of hard work but it paid off!

[@morganfaye93]

I really appreciate that you understand that people just look at what is new to them! I come from a very non-diverse country town in the middle of Wisconsin so I feel like I'm always seeing new things and I love to ask questions and learn. I never want to be rude. If I were to watch it would be in total fascination (although I would definitely not just stare...). You two have such a cool channel and I really appreciate your perspectives. I also love learning about what you go through and just being more aware of it. Like I'm sure you get stared at all the time and you might not want to be. So we can all be understanding of each other.

[@morganfaye93]

Wow I never considered eavesdropping. Thank you!!

[@morganfaye93]

DANG!! You were behind his head with the peripheral vision!! Woooaahhh haha.

[@tahloz6688]

I don’t know how I came across your channel but I just want to say that it’s nice to see you relate so affectionately to each other. And as someone who is not deaf and familiar with sign language, I find sign language to be so beautiful visually. I saw some videos about people sometimes being disrespectful to you Ryan and it makes me angry because let’s say you were French and visiting the US and you didn’t speak much English, someone would likely not be rude to you. Like if you asked for directions in ‘bad English’, a person would probably try to help direct you. Sign language is a language like all others and it makes me upset that people don’t see it like that - just another language that is different from their own and which should be respected. Anyway, I’ve watched a few videos now and I’ve learned a few signs. Thanks guys!!

[@hannahsanchez2043]

I remember when I briefly went into the mental hospital, a fellow patient retaught me the alphabet and then taught me a few words in sign language. Specifically the signs for angry and sad. Whenever I got very angry or very depressed, she would look at me questioningly and I would sign "angry" or "sad". Seeing these videos remind me of that bit of good in a time of bad. It also inspires me to learn sign language as well.

[@victoriacastillo5023]

Always loved the cafe intros +

[@SignDuoChannel]

☺️❤️

[@sallyjones2736]

I am hard of hearing and just got hearing aids. I’m the one that stares at a person who is speaking because I am focused on their lips. But since our lips are now covered with a mask I really have to focus on the speech. I really want to start learning ASL. I love your videos!

[@1970FLcrkr]

When I see people signing it makes me want to learn more.

[@like90]

I remember being a little kid and staring at two people signing. I thought it was the coolest thing ever and I still do. I don’t watch people signing anymore because people deserve privacy.

[@LiLgPnoy15]

My ASL teacher suggested this channel. I am looking forward to learning from you both.

[@patcontant9284]

I seldom see anyone when I’m signing to my friend. Im usually concentrating on signing and I don’t talk out loud only if there is another hearing friend with us.

[@erinn_nnire]

Thank you for covering this. I definitely caught myself staring at a couple having a heated signing convo at work the other day. The lady actually taught me the sign for you're welcome after I helped get her baby formula. (I already knew thank you). It was cool to experience. It would be neat to know some more customer service related sign language tho.

[@j4r3d29]

I swear I saw Ryan at Target a week or so ago. I live in Orange County too. I was whispering to my friend “omg I think that’s this guy from youtube” and.. then I realized I didn’t need to whisper. But I even got a second look, and I swear it was Ryan.

[@ASL-vd3by]

He’s super nice! If you see him and Ellen in the community- go say hello! 😁

[@minsunkang7264]

as someone with horrible vision (peripheral and otherwise) i was highkey stunned by ryan being able to see the letters i can't be the only one?????

[@j2morrow]

As always, it's not only fun seeing your vlogs, but so educational. And it got me to remembering the many times people would stare. Especially little kids. It's always cute and I often have people ask how I would sign a particular phrase. I usually teach them the simple signs. I also have always had perfect peripheral vision. So you almost always know when I'm being stared at. Always love to hear the opinions and experiences of both of you. I just have one question. Are you going to have maybe a schedule of when we can look for a new video from you two? I truly do love to see yiu guys. But not knowing when to look for you is a little frustrating. Gotta have my Sign Duo fix!!!!!!😉😆 As always...wishing you both a beautiful day. Honestly... I am always smiling when I see your videos. You really are doing a great service teaching people about the life of the deaf. Educating people to be more sensitive.

[@MikeColes]

I think Ryan was pulling a fast one and looking in the rearview mirror or cameras screen. Thank you both for sharing your experiences.

[@cy8646]

I've been trying to learn some sign. That's how I've stumbled across your channel. As someone who is learning by themselves I don't have anyone to practice with so when I see people signing I'm trying to pick up any words I may know. I definitely feel like I'm invading their privacy if I stare too long or worry that they may think I'm looking for negative reasons. Our sign language [BSL] is probably a lot different to yours but thank you for the content. Hopefully one day I can help someone feel included.

[@VbaeCakes]

These videos are awesome, guys. I just started learning beginners asl and i immediately wanted to see how actual fluid conversation goes down. It's a little intimidating how fast the conversation flows and trying to watch you guys sign and read the subtitles is hard, but I know with practice and time i'll get better c:

[@darwinsfinch1148]

Just wanna say your guys' camera work is amazing!! 😊

[@SignDuoChannel]

Thank you ☺️

[@cjeyerly869]

I've been using skillshare to learn ASL, thanks to you guys, and I've already learned quite a bit. I learn a little each day so I don't forget and now I'm teaching my 14 yo daughter how to sign as well. I have to admit, if I saw people signing in public, I would probably watch now to see how much I could understand, but it'd depend if I had my glasses on or not, and if they're going fast, I may only be able to pick out a word or two.

[@melm448]

I’m so glad I stumbled upon your channel. I learned how to sign the alphabet at a young age but I had always wanted to learn more to be able to communicate with others if needed. This really gave me the push to start to learn again. This video really helps to because I’ve always wondered if it was rude to stare (I always have good intentions of course). Thank you!!

[@nadinecartwright1979]

If it's rude to listen in on a verbal conversation, then it's rude to stare at an sign language one. Same rules should apply.

[@SignDuoChannel]

Yep 👍 you got it

[@lunix3259]

True, ngl I always look because it's interesting. I didn't know it's rude and when you put it this way I understand more

[@zaikura-chan6949]

I can admit to accidently eaves dropping after watching your channel and picking up some sign. What little i have learned did help me in a sale I made with a hard of hearing customer though! And I wouldn't have thought to try to sign if I hadn't seen them signing first.

[@EkaantMeinSaantvana]

Ryan's face at 2:32 had me wheezing of laughter LMAO

[@SignDuoChannel]

Hahah that’s usually how it goes. Some people even pick their nose or have their tongue out while staring at me 😂

[@jamilascales2366]

i grew up with deaf grandparents and going to a deaf church with older deaf people and so seeing people sign in public is comforting to me because that's part of me and since covid my comfort has only been with my grandma which is still nice but to see other people in public makes me excited to think if i or my family knows them because st.louis is so small then i have to stop cause i dont want to be staring.

[@amandadougherty6615]

I’m so happy you both are doing these videos. It’s really helpful to have the answers to these questions- and the videos are inspiring. I think ASL is a beautiful language, and it’s beautiful to see how Ryan moves through the world, individually and with Ellen. I look forward to learning more!

[@SimpleCasualChic]

I think it's also good to know that someone wouldn't mind if a curious person approached to learn more about signing. That's probably why they're just standing back and staring! To scared to walk over and bring it up

[@amee5364]

Yeah, I would think even as hearing.. it's rude to stare.. so I would think that it would be rude. Thanks for sharing and providing insight as to what would be acceptable and how to best handle the situation if and when it occurs.

[@jensm4054]

I just wanted to say, after watching your videos I was interested in learning ASL. I have been in a class this year and love the language. It’s really fun to learn and I can somewhat understand your videos without cc! Thank you for introducing me to this beautiful world of signing. I love it so much I’m registering for the class again in the fall. Thank you!!!!

[@SignDuoChannel]

Great job! That is so awesome!

[@cielo15animations77]

Y’all are the most wonderful channel on KZbin

[@adrianavelez550]

I catch myself starring when people are signing, but I am genuinely interested in sign language. I have been wanting to take a sign language course myself for a long time now. It is truly amazing how people can communicate in that way!

[@riseandshaun]

I’m learning sign language, but I don’t know enough yet to understand a conversation without a lot of help. A few weeks ago, a group of deaf friends came into work and my coworker was helping them. They were signing to each other, then one would say what they wanted, but with the masks and deaf accent, they were having a little trouble communicating well with my coworker and had to keep writing things back and forth. I kept looking over at them signing, because I wanted to help if I could, but I wasn’t able to tell what they were saying. After a few minutes, I realized I was probably being really rude just staring at them, so I came over and told them I was learning sign but didn’t know much yet, and they seemed really happy that I was trying to learn. I wish I had jumped in sooner, instead of just watching them, but I’m glad that I decided to go say hi. It wound up being a really interesting (and complicated!) conversation, because one of them had been taught to speak English and one had been taught to speak Spanish, so they would sign asl to each other, then one would speak English to me while the other spoke Spanish to my coworker. Then, my coworker would translate the Spanish into English for me, and I would try to sign and/or write our answer. It took a while, but we were able to get the information they needed, and it was a good learning experience!

[@KevinQHall]

You guys have been amazing at answering questions over the years. Your honesty, humility, and sincerity is truly inspiring. Thank you for sharing your guys' feelings/thoughts/lives with us. Now, for probably the hardest question Ryan has ever had to answer: Do you *ever* take your cap off? (also How many caps do you have?) PS I hope you guys realize how much we love and appreciate the two of you as well!

[@justayoutuber1906]

Kids need to be introduced to it in school so they are not so surprised when they see it in real life. Same thing goes for meeting a little person, seeing a person who is bald/has cancer, meeting a blind person, etc.

[@rippletea7143]

I always feel bad when I stare at someone in general, but usually I’m not staring negatively, but because I admire them😭