So I decided I’d start writing out my OC’s story, but I’m just starting with important scenes and only short explanations of what goes on in between. Also, my main character is deaf so I’ve done a little research to make sure I properly write out her character and I’d love any feedback or corrections. She speaks GBSL (Galactic Basic Sign Language) or BSL for short, which is the best I could come up with for a Star Wars version of sign language. The way it translates grammar wise is similar to pidgin sign language which has english grammar but you don’t have to fingerspell all the ing’s, the’s, if’s, ect. So the English (or Galactic Basic) sentence “I’m going to be signing tonight” would be directly translated to “I’m sing tonight.” For for the sake of dialog Osha’s sentences will be structured just like everyone else's and if it ever says “Osha said” instead of “Osha signed” it means the same thing, she didn’t magically gain the ability to speak Basic. Long story short, I’m trying something new! Bare with me and help me improve.
Osha looked up as the lights were switched off and on. Someone was trying to get her attention. Sure enough, Mrs. Zota was standing by the light switch. "What happened?" Osha signed, her usual response to being called. "You have a customer!" Mrs. Zota signed excitedly. Osha's eyes lit up. She signed an equally excited "Ok!" then reached for her speech pad (a tablet-sized touch screen pad you type sentences into which it then repeats out loud in a tinny robotic voice.) Mrs. Zota smiled, shaking her head, "No speechpad." "What? Are you crazy?" "It'll be fine. Don't keep them waiting!" Osha gave an exaggerated sigh shaking her head, then followed her mom out of the back and into the shop. The Zota shop was something out of a DnD adventure. Jewelry of all styles and medians was on display on carved wooden busts or in delicate stone bowls. Kean blades in intricate sheaths were strapped to fine leather belts. Patterned animal hide pouches, packs, and bags sat next to beautiful fur-lined cloaks, coats, and capes. Anything from elegant headdresses to intricately designed shields was for sale. Everything with the finest of detail, and all crafted by the Zota family, which consisted of Mr. Skawn Zota and Mrs. Teeubo Zota and their daughter Osha. Three customers were waiting at the counter, a man, a woman, and a small boy who looked a year or two younger than Osha. Osha instantly recognized the armor adorning the two adults as Mandalorian. The boy was a mini version of the man, presumably his father, with the same shocking white hair and silver eyes. Osha strolled confidently toward them, and the woman urged the little boy forward. Osha paused and bit her lip. She spoke Ryl relatively well since it had elements of lekku gestures and hand signs. Still, she had yet to meet a none Twi'lek who spoke Ryle, and without her speechpad, communication with customers was mainly pointing. She glanced up at her mom, who gave an encouraging nod. Osha sighed; this was going to be impossible. She faced the little boy, then shrugged her shoulders and raised her hands to shoulder height in a "what" gesture, then pointed at him, then gestured to the whole shop in what she hoped he'd understand as "what do you want." The message must not have come across because the boy said nothing, instead shyly backing away to his mom. Mr. Zota shook his head, "Use your words," he signed. Osha made a face and signed back, "How is that gonna help? He's hearing." "How do you know he doesn't know sign?" Osha rolled her eyes, "Because they never do!" Osha didn't see it, but the little boy watched the conversation in awe and looked up at his mom in excitement, who smiled and nodded. "Go talk to her, Bhay. Go make a new friend." Osha turned back to her "customer." "I'm B-H-A-Y." Bhay fingerspelled, and Osha's little mouth plopped open. She quickly composed herself, "Well, what do ya know," she signed in disbelief, then turned back to her parents, who were smiling openly now, "Why didn't you tell me?" "We wanted to surprise you!" Mrs. Zota said. Osha shook her head in exasperation. "I'm Osha. It's about time I had someone to talk to other than them. They're crazy! Wanna be friends?" Bhay looked up at his parents, and they nodded encouragingly, so Bhay signed a timid "ok." "Good, 'cause it wasn't a choice." Osha signed, then grabbed his hand, "C'mon, I wanna show you the back!"
