Various Forms of Communication in Space
Communication in space takes various forms. All fascinating.
Anjan Manikumar opened "Signs “("Signs")”" in Toronto, Canada – a restaurant where the waiters are deaf people who use sign language (in English, it's called sign language, and please note how wonderfully apt it sounds: sign language).
Speaking of signs, do you ever end a conversation or email with a short – "let me know"?
Meaning, tell me about it or write. Well, you know: let me know if you'll make it... let me know how it went... let me know if I need to hurry or not... if I can help with anything, let me know... .
Signs, as it turns out, are very important, as is the way they are interpreted, which we agree upon to avoid misunderstanding.
Let's go back to Toronto, where Anjan Manikumar opened not just a restaurant.
He created a place where deaf people work, and hearing people are more than welcome to visit, meaning groups that communicate completely differently on a daily basis.
Indeed, it might seem there's little chance of understanding, or effective communication.
Even though each of us can sometimes communicate without words to some extent, how will a waiter who cannot hear me take my order? I have to do it in a way that we understand each other. That's why I'll get a handy cheat sheet that will help me use the appropriate signs to translate the chosen menu item into sign language and use my hands, gestures, gaze, facial expressions - so that they are understood.
This is truly communication in space!
Sign language (I prefer this term over 'migowy') is a natural way to communicate
in space. I recall our very intense and great workshops, during which we developed the Jet Line mission: We passionately create space for communication.
It's great that we do fascinating things, that communication can take such interesting and diverse forms, and that the effort put into effective communication (humanly speaking, reaching an understanding) is sometimes perhaps great, but the joy and effect are even greater.
P.S. Does anyone know how to make this known in eastern Ukraine?
You can hear about the “Signs” restaurant here, for example:
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/canadian-restaurant-deaf-servers-encourages-diners-sign-language-video-article-1.1890921