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JEMedrick

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Hello there, first-time poster, here :)

My name is J. E. Medrick, and I'm working on a YA series about teenagers who gain superpowers from a medical experiment.

The main character of the fourth episode was born with problems with his vocal cords (rendering him non-speaking). He is placed in a special class in his school with a young woman who is not hearing. They both use sign language in the story.

I'd like to ask some questions because while I know a little about signing culture, I would like to learn some more culturally relevant things.

Any help or information you could share on the following questions would be greatly appreciated!

1. In spoken language, I often hear phrases tagged on the ends of sentences like "you know?" or "I think" or "know what I mean?". Are there the same sort of questioning or attention-passing modifiers while signing?

2. What are some common slurred or short signs to replace longer signs?

3. Could you share some specifically non-hearing high school experiences or challenges? (I have opened up e-mail from forum members if you want to share something that you don't feel comfortable posting on the forum.)

Names:

The main character's name is Mason. I've learned people often choose certain signs to represent themselves. I could not find a sign for "mason" but I found a sign for "Carpenter". To represent "Mason" he finger spells "M" and runs that twice on his flat left palm, in place of a fist. Would this be acceptable? (The market for "Person" being removed from "Carpenter".)

His friend's name is Jayden. I could not find a sign for either "Jay" or "Den". I found the sign for "Bird" and "Cave" but it seems complicated to use "Bird" entering "Cave". Instead, is the sign for "Stone" with a finger spelled "N" acceptable? (The "N" taps the back of the left hand twice, Stone-N, Jade-N)

I'm sure I will have more questions as I progress, and any help I could get would be very welcome! Thank you very sincerely for your time :)

JEM
 
I assume you are a writer.

Standard procedure would be to go to an expert on the subject in your area -- Say a professionally qualified interpreter, or a teacher of interpreters, and offer them mention in helping and contributing to your work and possible remuneration should your series become successful.

Be willing to offer a contract.

If you don't know how to write a contract go to Donedealpro.com they have all kinds of basic contracts -- Primarily for screenwriters but they can be adapted to novelists as well.

A professional writer does their own research or works a deal with someone.

Thank you.
 
Hi Berry,

Thank you for replying to my thread.

From your reply, I feel that I have offended you in some way? If so, I am deeply sorry. My only wish is to learn for myself, and gather information for my project. I thought if I came into an established community, I might find support for my questions.

I am much more interested in a personal approach with this community than the second-hand nature that comes with professional services of the nature you described. I do strive to be professional, especially with regards to research for my writing. Having lived in another country for three years, I have first-hand experience that immersing yourself within that different lifestyle is the fastest and most influential way to learn.

No offense was intended by my questions, and again, I apologize if offense was taken.

JEM
 
Not offended.

Most here are tired of so many questions from people who pop in, get what they want, and disappear.

I happen to be a writer. There are others here as well. I thought I would give you guidance on how I go about things and I gave you a source that has proven valuable to me.

The best way to immerse yourself is not through the net. Type in Deaf events on any search engine and your locale. You will find some. Go to them and make friends.

Having immersed yourself in another country for three years I assume you have learned the language of that country? That should make sign language easier for you.

By the way if you are going to be a writer you need to develop a very thick skin. Some of the rejection slips I have received over the years have been bad. Some of the comments by those who actually purchased what I wrote has at times been worse.
 
Dear Berry,

I have looked, trust me! In my area I have not been able to find a single service where I may mingle, interact and learn. I really hope you don't think I'm blowing smoke, because I was just as shocked as disbelieving as you probably are now. Even typing in "Deaf Events" with my zip code pulls up things that are prohibitively far away or not of direct use to me (IE: A performance of Shakespeare with an interpreter on hand.)

When I was in college, I tried to take ASL. I was told there was a waiting list over 200 people long, and they only admitted 10 people to each class... and they only ran two classes a semester! On top of that, I was informed that even were I able to get into the class, I was hearing with no non-hearing relations (ie: not in special need of ASL), so I would not be able to take beyond Beginner ASL II! :eek3:

Thus, my research has been restricted to sign language history books and finally, the internet. I have very dutifully searched for meetings, community classes or SOMETHING that I could attend, but I have not been successful. The few signs I do know are from my own studying.

But you can't learn culture from reading about it, IMHO :aw:

As for the thick skin, trust me I've heard it a million times :D I have actually decided to forgo traditional publishing. My work is available for Kindle, Nook, and on Diesel, Kobo and the like. Sales are almost 300% of last month! I actually got my first fan mail last week, so at least someone is reading it :hmm:

As for coming, taking what I need and leaving... well, I cannot deny I am not much of a forum-goer. But, I would absolutely want to include special thanks for this site and anyone who could help me make the story I am writing more real. I take my craft very seriously, and am thankful for any help along the way.

So. I would still hope I can find answers to my questions, but if you think that cannot be a reality here, then I will ask a moderator to take down my post to keep from cluttering the forums.

Best,
JEM
 
JEMedrick said:
Thus, my research has been restricted to sign language history books and finally, the internet. I have very dutifully searched for meetings, community classes or SOMETHING that I could attend, but I have not been successful. The few signs I do know are from my own studying.

But you can't learn culture from reading about it, IMHO :aw:


Best,
JEM
Click to expand...

Hi

JEM I no the feeling have thought about looking classes,coffee chats and the like in neighbouring arenas

in my case this means that $18 of $30 i use for these type of things is taken up on the intercity bus and that I need to find a place to stay(oralist family)
 
Congratulations. I figured you had done as so many have and disappeared when they found they had to work a bit to get what they wanted.

Any conclusions?

Anything there help you?
 
JEM, if you disclose your location, someone might be able to direct you to social events.
 
@Barry: Well, I learned a few things, yes. However, I did not find the information I was hoping to learn.

@sallylou: Thanks for responding. You offer a good suggestion, but sadly I am not comfortable doing so. I am 26, but I've already dealt with two stalkers. You just cannot tell about people sometimes, and I am incredibly uncomfortable putting myself in that possible situation again.
 
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