Communication in space takes various forms. All fascinating. <\/p>\n
Anjan Manikumar opened \"Signs \u201c(\"Signs\")\u201d\" in Toronto, Canada \u2013 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).<\/p>\n
Speaking of signs, do you ever end a conversation or email with a short \u2013 \"let me know\"?
\nMeaning, 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... .
\nSigns, as it turns out, are very important, as is the way they are interpreted, which we agree upon to avoid misunderstanding.<\/p>\n
Let's go back to Toronto, where Anjan Manikumar opened not just a restaurant.
\nHe 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.
\nIndeed, it might seem there's little chance of understanding, or effective communication.
\nEven 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.
\nThis is truly communication in space! <\/p>\n