Zeheda's Sign Language
Zeheda Pirshala was born deaf. From an early age, this posed difficulties for him when he needed to communicate. As soon as he gained the dexterity in his hands to perform the necessary gestures, his parents worked to create a form of sign language that he could use to tell others what he was thinking or what he needed. Even now that he's an adult, the language constantly expands to suit his and his family's needs.
The sign language is primarily performed by forming shapes with the hands, but facial countenance (primarily the movement and expression of the eyes) play a large role in demonstrating intent, emotion, and humor.
Pros
Zeheda's greatest benefit in using this form of sign language is the way in which he is able to quickly and easily talk to those he cares for most. Writing works, but signing is much more convenient, and because the language is constantly evolving, he can create new signs for things that come up in his and his family's lives.
Cons
Because there is no formal, widespread sign language throughout any part of the Middle Realm, Zeheda and his parents had to build an entire vocabulary and alphabet together, an endeavor which took years to perfect. Zeheda finds it harder to communicate with new people in his life because nobody besides his loved ones understand his language, meaning that he needs to write what he wants to say, then read their lips or wait for them to write back.Writing System
When communicating with those who don't understand his form of sign language, Zeheda writes in a battered notebook he carries with him at all times. He much prefers to sign, but sometimes writing is necessary when talking to someone who isn't family or a close friend.
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