Simultaneous communication (SimCom) is talking and signing at the same time. This is especially useful for the person who is late-deafened and hearing family and friends. When using SimCom you do not need to sign articles of speech (the, a, an). You also do not need to sign any form of the verb to be (is, are, am). This helps to de-clutter the sentence visually and keeps the focus on what’s visually important to communicate.
Continue to talk, by saying every word in the sentence, even if you do not know the sign, and keep the focus on signing the words you do know. The person you are communicating with has receptive abilities that may help with receiving the communication, whether it is auditory or speechreading abilities, or simply using guess work by filling in the signing gaps with the context of the topic.
A characteristic of a good SimCom student, is being able to express what one wants to express, even with a limited sign vocabulary. Starting to use SimCom now will help you to get your hands moving. At first it may feel awkward and you may be worried you are not signing it exactly right. That’s all part of the learning process. You do not need to sign perfectly nor do you need to know every sign there is to express yourself! The desire to communicate is all you need! Use expression and gesturing to supplement the communication. Remember, you can always fingerspell a word that is visually important to the meaning of a sentence.
From the mime and sign families vocabulary, see how many phrases you can sign with what you now know. This is a solution focused approach (“what’s strong and not what’s wrong”) to help people who have become deaf and their hearing allies, to start signing now by keeping the focus on what you do know and not what you do not know!
Below are some phrases and sentences to get you started on building your own creative list of working the sign vocabulary. Try working on one group of 5 phrases at a time. You do not have to be a fast signer. It is more helpful for new signers to go slowly and practice the correct action. As you learn, you will feel more comfortable and see how fun it can be to talk with your hands.
Look up the words in the video dictionary to sign the following phrases. If you are oral, speak the phrases as you sign (simultaneous communication). Use facial expressions to help show meaning. It can help to think of yourself as acting out what you are saying.
Group 1:
Drinking a cocktail
It is cold downstairs
Love ice cream
Putting on makeup
Hugging the baby
Group 2:
A baby book
Where is the comb?
The bathroom is upstairs
Calling the dog
On the telephone.
Group 3:
Contact lens tore
Hugging the baby
Calm down! Pray!
Team member
Congratulating the staff
Group 4:
Fond of the violin
Marijuana addiction
The team is shooting baskets
Grab a mop
The library is quiet.
Group 5:
It’s a confusing topic.
Turning down the request to bowl
Throwing in the towel!
Scolding the dog
Team member
Group 6:
Loathe exercising
Zip the hood
Typing a book
Scoop of vanilla ice cream
Library funds
Group 7:
Bride brushing hair
Beating bananas
Try the cold faucet
Where is the seasoning?
Tossing a salad
Group 8:
Requesting a microphone
Fluttering eyelashes
Environmental emergency
Clinical chart
Legal form
Group 9:
Good luck fencing
Hesitant to kayak
A calm nature
Baby loves puppets
The injection itches
Group 10:
Baseball league
Health insurance
Semester class
Interviewing the staff
Economical ups and downs
Group 11:
Negotiating policies
Atlanta legislature
Missionary praying
Put aside the gun
Accordion music
Group 12:
Tie the apron
Wringing out the golf towel
Liberal atmosphere
Moral conditions
Volleyball team
Emergency huddle
Group 13:
Poetry workshop
The Brownie group is canoeing.
Royal family
Agency staff
Family’s heritage
Group 14:
Resume characteristics
Boston museums
Free cultural exhibit
Philadelphia orchestra
Basketball rally
Group 15:
Regional traditions
Health background interview
A noble king
Qualifies to referee
