The Lord's Prayer in Signs

The Lord's Prayer in Signs

When communicating in signs, both American Sign Language (ASL) and signed English (SE) are used. The basic signs for words are often the same or similar; however, Signed English provides a sign for every word in a sentence whereas American Sign Language conveys concepts and has its own syntax. For example, if I were to sign “I have two sisters” in Signed English, I would execute a sign for each word. In ASL, I might sign “two” and “sister” and then point to myself to convey the thought “two sisters, me.”

I grew up reciting the Lord’s Prayer in Signed English in my church because we did it as a group. (Interpreters translating for an audience or a congregation may use ASL since the focus of a single interpreter can be different as opposed to leading a group presentation where everyone is trying to stay together.) Every deaf community has its own way of doing things. In my church and deaf community, the Lord’s Prayer in Signed English was our standard. We recited it together in signs and often, when I sang it in weddings, I signed as I sang, adding a beautiful visual dimension.
I share that with you.