OREGON: The American Sign Language (ASL) sign for "Oregon"
When in Oregon (and elsewhere) sign (Oregon) as the Oregonians do.
"The sign for Oregon circles a palm-forward "O" hand in the dominant-side
signing area in front of the chest (about where fingerspelling is typically done
or a bit higher)."
OREGON:
https://youtu.be/ZHo1AKNIvBY
Reference:
Bowers, Shane (January 18, 2023) "Sign for Oregon" https://www.facebook.com/groups/363908877383998/posts/1592056811235859/
Notes:
An older (not currently recommended) variant sign for "Oregon" is an "O" off of the shoulder.
Some people do a small circular movement as they come off the
shoulder.
That older sign for Oregon was very similar to the sign for
Washington (the state). Both touch
the initial to the shoulder (or start near the shoulder) and bring
it forward.
This version is being shared not so that you will use it (please don't) but
rather so that if you are an interpreter or other professional working with Deaf
people you will be able to recognize it if one of your clients uses it or if you
see it in an older video.
(Model: Byron Cantrell / used with
permission)
Comments from Bill Vicars:
I think it is important to note that the ASL model showing (the
shoulder version of) the sign
above is a native Deaf signer and the photos were clipped from a
video recorded mid-aughts (the early 2000s). Byron is a highly
respected member of the Deaf community, has been signing all of his
life, has
taught Deaf students and ASL for many years, is married to a Deaf
woman, has Deaf kids (who also teach ASL) and was teaching ASL at
Sacramento State University at the time of the recording. So let's not pretend that
the "O"-from the shoulder version was just some random,
limited, minor regional
variation. No. That shoulder version of Oregon was widespread
and used by many, many native Deaf during the 1980s and into the 2000s.
These comments are not at all intended to defend nor promote the
shoulder version of the sign Oregon -- but rather to document and
provide some historical perspective.
Let's also not claim that the shoulder version of Oregon was never
used by a number of Deaf people who lived in Oregon. A
significant number of Deaf did use the shoulder version -- at least
for a while.
I lived in Salem, Oregon for six months back around 1987. I visited
the School for the Deaf quite a bit and hung out with many Deaf. It would be interesting to find video documentation
of the sign for Oregon by locals back in the 1980's and before to
try to pinpoint when and where the shoulder version spread.
Respect the fact that Deaf people from Oregon have historically signed
the "circle
O" for Oregon -- and that the "circle O" version is the
citation / preferred version (as indicated by Deaf people who
actually grew up and live in Oregon).
Language is a moving target. Let's do our best to respect and
follow the current / stated preferences of those who live in Oregon.
*
Want to help support ASL University? It's easy:
DONATE (Thanks!)
* Another way to help is to buy something from Dr. Bill's "Bookstore."
* Want even more ASL resources? Visit the "ASL Training Center!" (Subscription
Extension of ASLU)
* Also check out Dr. Bill's channel:
www.youtube.com/billvicars
You can learn American Sign Language (ASL) online at American Sign Language University ™
ASL resources by Lifeprint.com © Dr. William Vicars