Onomastics in Iranian Sign Language: Personal and Place Names in Iranian Deaf Community
Temas
Detalles
This article explores the naming system in Iranian Sign Language (Esharani), demonstrating that names in deaf communities, particularly in the Iranian deaf community, are not merely linguistic tools but also carriers of identity, culture, and social narratives. Names can reflect life stories, social affiliations, or even cultural critiques. Drawing on their linguistic knowledge and cultural experiences, the authors analyze two main domains: personal names and place names. The first section introduces various types of sign names for individuals, which are formed based on physical features, personality traits, occupations, clothing, or the initials of spoken names. Unlike many other sign languages that have been studied, the use of fingerspelling for naming in Iranian Sign Language is limited. The second section focuses on place names or toponyms, which are often descriptive and refer to local products, cultural, historical, or geographical characteristics of each location. Like personal names, place names reflect the collective memory and cultural identity of the deaf community. Ultimately, the article emphasizes that names in Iranian Sign Language are formed independently of spoken and written languages and derive their meaning primarily within the cultural and social context of the deaf community.