IRAN-[A-hand-on-palm-version]
IRAN-[joke-version-ASL-pun]
For those of you who don't get the joke: The pun combines part of one of
the versions of a sign for RUN with a location near the eye. Thus you get "eye
run" which is somewhat like "eye ran" -- which is somewhat like "Iran." I
did not make up this pun but it is cute and light hearted and while it should
not be considered offensive in any way -- it should also not be used in serious
contexts.
Notes:
Question:
An ASL student writes: Is the ASL sign for Iran disrespectful? It uses a "thumbs
down" hand shape. That feels embarrassing. How can I help get it changed? Who
should I contact? I'm willing to write dozens of organizations if necessary.
[Editor's note: The question above has been paraphrased to protect the identity
of the sender but question is based on an actual question from a student.]
Response:
The American Sign Language sign for IRAN is not at all disrespectful and not at
all associated with negativity of any sort — quite the opposite.
Anyone who suggests otherwise is misinformed.
The ASL sign for Iran is generally not associated with any meaning in the minds
of most skilled native ASL signers other than simply meaning "Iran."
A subset of ASL users associate the sign for Iran the abundance of oil in Iran.
Compare the sign for Iran and the ASL sign for GAS / gasoline / fuel.
However the association of the sign IRAN with the sign GAS is likely a false
etymology (origin story).
A much more likely etymology has to do with fact that Iran was the core of the
ancient Persian Empire. Iran was the seat of power for a vast area.
Compare the sign Iran with the ASL sign for middle, center, or central.
Thus you will see that the ASL sign for Iran (which also happens to be the
international sign) is evidently based on Iran's (or "Persia's") role as one of
the first true global superpower states.
Evidence for the ASL sign for Iran being based on the concept of a "central
authority or seat of power" can be seen by considering the sign for Tehran (the
Iranian "capital" city. You can see the sign at the 44 second mark of the
following video: https://youtu.be/5vAurNmvcbA?t=44 Note the similarities between
the sign for Tehran (with its status as the "capital city") and the sign for
Iran.
Next consider the similarities between the sign for Iran and the ASL sign for
"impress." The open-A hand shape is a very strong hand shape and carries a lot
of gravitas. The center of the non-dominant palm associated with: standing,
being central, medicine, and finance.
Any changes to the sign for Iran should originate from and be grounded in the
desires of the skilled native signers of the Iranian Deaf Community.
It is my considered opinion that changing the ASL / International sign for Iran
to some other sign would be doing a disservice to the Iranian Deaf Community.
It is challenging to imagine a more respectful and prestigious sign than one
made with an "open-A" hand onto the center of the non-dominant hand.
Warm regards,
+ Bill
___________________
William G. Vicars Ed.D.
https://youtu.be/lWgoRSVEz9s
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