In my observations, signing often seems the more practical and effective way to communicate. I have come to believe that sign language represents freedom to express yourself wherever and whenever you want.

Signing first piqued my interest when I was at a Gay Pride parade in San Francisco in 1982. The fact that the interpreter could express herself over large distances without disturbing anyone was "eye-opening." After watching her, I resolved to learn this new language, aware of its many advantages.

Throughout my life, I have been in situations in which it would have been impolite or impractical to talk. What are you supposed to do at a loud party, for example, when you can't understand the person talking to you just two feet away? Ask the person to strain their voice?

Or what about those times when you are out listening to live music in a restaurant or club? Do you dare speak up to ask a friend to pass the salt and pepper and risk distracting others and being rude? How do you answer the waiter when your mouth is full of food?

Using your hands to communicate is a good way around these annoyances. Signing is silent. It requires no ears.

It's no wonder that American Sign Language is one of the hippest and trendiest languages that people are learning these days. Baby Sign is one of the hottest trends in child development. Using their hands and different facial movements, infants are able to communicate their basic needs long before they can speak, according to child development experts. Using signs also boosts an infant's intellectual development. Research shows that using signs expands an infant's cognitive processes and intellectual skills.

These are all the practical aspects of sign language. Equally important to me is the beauty of moving hands. Signing is fun to watch and easy to learn. Many signs are iconic, for example, they resemble some aspect of their meaning. Can I tell you the truth? If I know that an interpreter will be at an event, I will be very tempted to go, just to watch them. I have a dream that some day, half my communication will be in signs, half in voice. I hope it will be with you.

Whenever I am asked why I like signs so much, I reply, "because I have two eyes and two hands."

There are two sites in the neighborhood that provide information on signing: The Deaf Counseling, Advocacy, and Referral Agency at 650 N. Winchester Blvd. No. 3, north of Santana Row; and San José City College, which offers classes.

David B. West is a San José resident.