#love thinking about Indigenous Deaf Disabled and Migrant contributions to Nomad culture

[kleptopunk]

Nomadic Signed Language (NSL) in 2077

Roots in the preservation and increased use of Plains Indian Hand Talk in the 2020s, well-established migrant code talk, and in Deaf culture/use of Sign Languages among Nomad packs.

A combination of formalized gestures/and more flexible signed language, with a small number of written symbols that have specific/assigned meaning.

Unique to each Nation, with a shared lexicon of gestures between all Nations for collaboration and to overcome verbal language barriers.

Taught to all members from a young age, including Deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing individuals. If an adult joins the clan they are expected to learn.

Not only used to communicate non-verbally: adds emphasis, clarity or nuance to verbal language; expresses emotions/ideas that might feel easier to share in signs.

Individual use of NSL varies. Some people don't use it unless they can't communicate verbally, some people use is constantly/exclusively. Most people fall somewhere in between.

Very adaptable and accommodating of people with limb difference, motor skill disabilities, and cognitive disabilities

Keeping hands still/not signing is a big code-switching struggle for many ex-Nomads. Some people don't bother not to sign and some feel its very private.

Mainstream TV and movies often have Nomad characters sign nonsense or very poor NSL, or completely erase NSL so they don't have to deal with it. Individual Nomads' opinions vary on which is preferable.

It's usually pretty cool to see former Nomad actors to use NSL in their performance. This of course depends on how it's handled

It's actually pretty exciting if a Nomad meets an outsider who knows anything about NSL and isn't weird about it