There is quite a bit of variation
in the Deaf community regarding the sign for FIREMAN but most versions seem to
be based on the cool hats.
ASL instructors need cool hats. I'm jealous.
FIREMAN:
Memory aid:
Think of the big red hats that firemen (sometimes) wear.
This sign uses a slight double motion. Tap the back of the hand on your
forehead.
FIREMAN (variation)
Here is another version. I don't recommend this version. To me it
looks and feels a little too much like slapping yourself on the head.
I wouldn't "mark it wrong" on a test, but I think you are better off using
the first variation.
FIREMAN:
"C- version"
Some people do the sign fireman by using a "C" to show where the badge would
be on the front of an old fashioned fire-chief's hat.
Another common version done on the forehead is one that uses the thumb and index
finger in a C shape. That handshape forms a crescent with the thumb and
index finger and places it on the forehead like a badge. The handshape is often
called a "baby-C" handshape.
And here is yet another version "out
there."
This one is based on the light that some firefighter hats have:
FIREMAN: version: "FIRE + MAN" (not
recommended)
Note: You might see the sign "fire" plus "man."
(But I wouldn't do "fireman" that way, because that would actually mean
"Burning Man" and if I have to explain "Burning Man" to you -- you obviously
haven't "finish touched." Google "burning man" then head for Black
Rock Desert.)
Here is the sign for FIRE:
For more information, see: FIRE
Dr. Bill's Notes:
In a message dated 6/2/2008 7:53:20 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time, a student writes:
Dr Vicars,
I was looking at your website and I noticed that you have two variations of fire fighter/ fireman, but my ASL teacher has shown us another version using a thin almost c shape for the badge because the b shape if facing the wrong direction means b_stard.
--(student)
Dear Student,
Not to worry, even if you do the "palm orientation" aspect of the sign
"firefighter" wrong it still won't mean "b_stard" since the meaning of
the sign "b_stard" depends on a complex combination of the speed of the
sign, the force with which it contacts (or comes near) the forehead, the
number of contacts (one vs. two) the facial expression, and the context
(other signs in the sentence).
Novice ASL instructors and/or Hearing ASL instructors who learned ASL
from a classroom rather than from the Deaf Community tend to make a big
deal out of "near misses" between common signs and swear signs. This
provides "shock" value and some amusement to keep their
students interested--but in the
real world, it isn't much of an issue.
I encourage instructors to teach whatever version of a
sign is used in their area. If two versions are common, I suggest
learning and teaching whichever version is used on more of a national
scale.
As a student you should do whatever sign you need to do in order to get an "A" grade from your instructor,
then after that do the versions you see adult, skilled Deaf
native ASL signers consistently doing at
community events in your area.
Regardless, I appreciate you sharing
your story and mentioning that variation. Please do be gentle with
your current instructor, for all I know, that might be a very
popular sign in your geographical location. It is a cool variation
that has a great tie-in to either the badge worn on some helmets and/or
the light/bulb worn on some helmets. When time permits, I plan on adding
that version to my fireman page. :)
Cordially,
Dr. V
Notes:
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