Universal Sign Language in Gloucester

Today on BCC News "Street cleaners in Gloucester have been learning greetings in Japanese and sign language for the deaf to help make visitors feel more welcome." It's obviously useful to learn a few Japanese phrases. Dutch tourists are often asked: "you from Germany, yes?" If one responds "No, the Netherlands", what do you get back? "Nederland Kikkerland", "Kijken, kijken, niet kopen", "Hasjiesh, hasjiesh", etc. I have the souvenirs to prove it. But what on earth will a street cleaner sign to a Japanese tourist? My first guess would be 'hello' or 'good morning'. Even such formal greetings differ a lot in the sign languages of the world: NGT: Hello and Good morning. ASL: Hello (which is also goodbye?) and here's one for Morning, an open invitation to misinterpretations... Alternatively, the people will be taught to pay attention to their gesturing. To not be shy to greet somebody with a gesture, or to wave goodbye or make an occasional bow Japan-style. That would be good. But it wouldn't be 'sign language for the deaf'. Luckily most Japanese tourist have their hearing, and hopefully enough good sense to let the good people in Gloucester 'save face'.

Tags: gesture, sign language, cross-cultural, universal