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[ezra_of_lothal]

Another day, another installment of random thoughts from me. Also on communication, so I guess that's a theme?

Who here knows sign languages? [He's thinking of a certain fellow Jedi padawan who clearly understands a lot of what is being said, but doesn't talk out loud. And also wondering if sign language gets 'translated' like verbal and written language mostly do.]

I know...a few signs. Mostly as communication in battle. I'm actually not entirely sure what system they come from, or even if they are all from the same system.

Comments

[hadthehighground]

I do. Though whether anyone else here can understand it is the question.

[ezra_of_lothal]

Right. There's got to be a bunch of different ones just from our general area of space alone, yeah?

[hadthehighground]

There are, yes. And not everyone uses their hands either.

[ezra_of_lothal]

[The padawan's smile grows into delighted wonder as he ponders all the different appendages and other various types of bodies among just the species that he's met. Lekku, and montrals, and Ithorians very different faces. There's even a pretty big enclave of Ithorians on Lothal and he'd never taken the time to learn much of anything about Ithorese, just took the tech that lets Ithorians speak Basic for granted.

Realizing that, he flips to frowning in consternation. He can't even entirely blame that oversight on being an uneducated hick - on being a kid with his own problems maybe.]

Yeah. Of course.

Anyway, I was kinda wondering if Grogu might like to learn something like that? And if so, I'd be happy to learn with him. But it's probably more useful if it's something other people either know or are willing to learn a little, too.

[Since Grogu can communicate with the other empaths around pretty well.]

So...chosen community dialect?

[hadthehighground]

It's possible I suppose. Though most everyone would have to be willing to learn for it to be effective. If it's only those close to him, like those of our group, then there's little point as we can already communicate with him on a telepathic level.

[ezra_of_lothal]

[Ezra can think of several reasons why he doesn't think telepathy should Grogu's sole form of communication, including that not all of Grogu's family is telepathic. Rather than spell out of those reasons for public discussion, he levels a skeptical look towards his master, with a beat of silence, before continuing, cheerfully-]

I bet Mando and Padme would be willing to learn.

[hadthehighground]

[Ezra’s clear skepticism is noted and he sighs a little. He certainly hadn’t meant to imply that telepathy shouldn’t be his only means of communication. Not that other members of Grogu’s family wouldn’t benefit from communicating. So he elaborates.]

I’m sure they would. But Padme is busy as it is with her own children. Also, I’m hoping to help him learn to talk soon. Which will be easier for everyone if he does. Not to mention that learning to sign and speak at the same time might be overwhelming for Grogu.

I’m not saying your idea is a bad one. Im just not sure it’s necessary.

[ezra_of_lothal]

Maybe it isn't it.

I just wanted to like, bookmark that, as a thought. Options and different approaches are good, right?

[hadthehighground]

Of course.

And I think its a good thought worthy of consideration. Especially if Grogu has challenges with verbal language. That remains to be seen, but signing is an option to fall back on.

[ezra_of_lothal]

We'll have to see how it goes.

What sign languages do you know?

[hadthehighground]

Coruscanti basic and some modifications made by the Order.

[foundlingfather]

I know Tusken sign language.

[ezra_of_lothal]

Tusken. [He sounds the words out slowly. It rings a bell, but it takes a moment to click in his memory.]

Wait. Tatooine?

[foundlingfather]

Yeah, tatooine natives. Tusken Raiders, or sand people as some call them.

[ezra_of_lothal]

Uhuh. I ran into them really briefly and...was not smart about it. They kinda blew up my ship. Thankfully, I don't think anyone was really hurt.

Um. Do they call themselves Tuskens, or something else?

[foundlingfather]

That...tends to be most people's experience. Yes. I know those people pretty well, and I know some tribes are more welcome to outsiders than others.

No. Tusken is a name given to them by other people of Tatooine. After an attack that was carried out. They have a name they call themselves. But...unfortunately it can't be translated to basic.

[ezra_of_lothal]

Gotcha. Hmm. Well, I don't think I'm going back to Tatooine anytime soon...

[On the other hand, if he gets dropped back to his native time, in theory both Master Kenobi and Luke Skywalker would be there. If he can get there quickly enough.]

Have you tried to teach Grogu any of that sign system?

[foundlingfather]

[Helmet tilt.]

Because of the Tuskens? [Although, he's well aware, that a lot of people prefer to not visit the sandball of a planet, unless they had to.

The question gives him a pause.]

I have a little. [He admits. Sorry Obi-wan.] It's not easy, since he only has three fingers.

[ezra_of_lothal]

Well. No. They weren't even the worst part of that trip.

...nevermind. [It doesn't matter that Luke and Obi-wan are here, too. He's still not going to talk more about that trip over the network.]

I was just pondering if I had a good reason to learn some of the signs. If Grogu knows some, then I definitely do.

Would you mind teaching me a little? Please?

[foundlingfather]

...fair enough. [Luckily for Ezra, Din's not big on prying. Specially over an open network, where everyone can hear. He won't push it for the moment.]

He knows some basics, yeah. [He nods, helmet tilting. It's a work in progress with the kid. Between the only three fingers, but he seemed to be catch on, since he's smarter than his age would say he is. Then it tilts back in a motion of surprise. He'd honestly assumed no one was interested. Not like anyone ever asked.]

Sure. I didn't think anyone else would be interested in learning.

[kyley_b]

I know a few words in American Sign Language. Not enough to hold a conversation, probably, but if I had a refresher in the alphabet I could spell?

[ezra_of_lothal]

That's cool! [Said with utter sincerity and a smile.]

Any particular reason you learned that much, or just because?

[kyley_b]

It is, yeah.

Oh, I worked with a guy who taught me a bit when we worked at summer camp together.

[ezra_of_lothal]

Gotcha.

The full summer camp experience is one I missed. Even in magic memories.

[kyley_b]

It was kinda cool, if you like kids. My buddy Jimmy got me into it.

You still have all your magic memories?

[ezra_of_lothal]

Most of them? I think? I kind of, um, put them away until I want to use them, but a lot of that every day stuff that'd I'd missed out on is useful, so.

Why, do you not?

[kyley_b]

Put them away?

I do. Just didn't know if that was normal.