I'm thinking of writing a book in which one of the characters is deaf and knows sign language but I don't know how to write that. Other than "s/he signed" is there anything else in terms of communication that I could use?
What do sort of words do I use for a deaf character?
- Edited
They would focus a lot on communicating through body language. So you can also describe them with 'talking' actions that are bodily movements, particularly involving the hands.
"He furiously waved about his hands"
"He mimicked with his hands"
"He pulled down on his face, expressing his frustration"
"He expressed his opinion clearly with a single middle finger raised"
FluffyKiller both what @Dr_Zombie and @Wolfick said were good ideas that you should use.;,;. I also add that you could also use more general terms in reference to communication, such as aspects of the word communication itself.;,;. but make sure not to use the same constantly, lest it seem repetitive.;,;.
FluffyKiller If your novel is not too dark (or if you can fit in some light-heartedness in it), you can use the Chewbacca/ Han Solo or Groot/ Rocket communication.
It makes for great dynamics - a slow, steady and wise person but who can't communicate easily paired with a fast talker who is rash - but is the only one who can understand the other.
Here's an example learned from Brandon Sanderson's video of communication.
One person whose words don't make sense, talking to the other.
The one who the reader can understand has to reply in ways that explain what was said earlier.
"Blee"Bleep-bleep-bloop!"
'...Damn it damn it damn it!!!'
"Bleep-bleep-bloop?!?"
The penguin shook its head in dejection at his agitated question; sighing. "Once they fall here..."
The self-proclaimed Demon God paused, focusing as they finally left the countless penguins, motes of light and gargoyles behind. They passed the tunnel that Mikael had entered from, and exited the area of the great white pillars.
Then the penguin beckoned for him to look back to see something.
"Bleep-bleep!!!"
"I'll answer your question alright! Imbecile! Fool! We needed to get out first, alright!!? Don't you know where you were???"
"Bleep?"
The penguin sighed again, shaking his head in disappointment. "Don't you see 16 pillars up there?"
"Bloop."
"And how about down there, what do you see...?"
"Bleep-bleep?"
"Yes! Good! Now, does that remind you of something...?"
"....B-b-bleep bleep...?"
"Yes! Yes yes yes yes! Now, do you understand?!?" The penguin smiled as he danced around in delight; his stupid potential contractor finally understanding.
"You're in the All-Father's mouth! About to be his meal! Like all the other fallen souls in the Endless Worlds!" Then the penguin turned even more grim as they soared along towards his hidden base.
And the pair travelled in silence, as each had their own thoughts and worries to ponder.
[An indeterminate amount of time later]
They reached an igloo-like structure floating in space; that looked like it were made of ice.
Razku'rak/ Kizorik landed at high speed, tumbled, rolled and hurtled into a mattress propped against the wall - clearly meant for situations like this.
He then got up, taking the crash landing in stride, and retrieved a piece of paper which read "KONTWAK" (Contract) and spoke in an embarrassed, low voice. "Just sign here. Need it for immigration and customs checks."
"...Bleep-bleep-bleep-bleep-bloop-bleep-bloop?!?
"You imbecile! You fool! You-you-you...!!!" The penguin began his little hopping dance again, jumping up and down on the spot until he could get over his anger.
"Don't you know there's no such thing as reincarnation in this part of the Endless Worlds?!?" The penguin stormed off to a corner of the igloo 5 feet away and folded his arms in anger; raising his chin to show his irritation. "Without me! You will never have a chance to avenge your friends!"
The ball of light - Mikael - was silent. Stunned.