I wonder if this was in DC, since I’ve had the same thing happen with a driver here (we do have one of the largest colleges for the deaf here). I grew up with a non-verbal friend (not deaf, but communicated with sign language since he couldn’t speak due to a birth defect), so I already knew a decent bit of ASL, even if rusty since I haven’t seen that friend in over 10 years. Much the same situation, got the text, and when I got in the car, I signed (and said, since he was looking at me) “thank you, I’m {my name}” and pointed to his phone and signed “address” to show that I had put in the address of my destination. He excitedly signed “you know how to sign?” I signed back “I know a little.” He nodded and smiled broadly. I noticed during the ride he had a pen and pad on the console with notes on it, so I assume he used that to communicate with most people. He thanked me when I got out at home. Like with any language, it takes little time to learn the basics (hello, thank you, the alphabet in ASL so you can sign your name, etc.) and will go MILES in being “gracious.”
For a second I thought I was reading Upworthy.
I don’t get it. Is this funny?
Yes. It is funny. I’m still laughing.
I wonder if this was in DC, since I’ve had the same thing happen with a driver here (we do have one of the largest colleges for the deaf here). I grew up with a non-verbal friend (not deaf, but communicated with sign language since he couldn’t speak due to a birth defect), so I already knew a decent bit of ASL, even if rusty since I haven’t seen that friend in over 10 years. Much the same situation, got the text, and when I got in the car, I signed (and said, since he was looking at me) “thank you, I’m {my name}” and pointed to his phone and signed “address” to show that I had put in the address of my destination. He excitedly signed “you know how to sign?” I signed back “I know a little.” He nodded and smiled broadly. I noticed during the ride he had a pen and pad on the console with notes on it, so I assume he used that to communicate with most people. He thanked me when I got out at home. Like with any language, it takes little time to learn the basics (hello, thank you, the alphabet in ASL so you can sign your name, etc.) and will go MILES in being “gracious.”