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Entire Neighbourhood Secretly Learns Sign Language To Surprise Deaf Neighbor
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Entire Neighbourhood Secretly Learns Sign Language To Surprise Deaf Neighbor

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Muharrem, a deaf man living in Istanbul, just received a huge surprise when, one morning, everyone he bumped into in his neighborhood responded to him with sign language!

A team of people from Samsung and the Leo Burnett ad agency spent a month setting up cameras and teaching people throughout his neighborhood sign language. On the appointed day, Ozlem went for a walk with her deaf brother, who was stunned to meet so many signing people in a world where those who can communicate in sign are often few and far between.

The ad was designed to raise awareness about Samsung’s new call center for the deaf and hard-of-hearing in Turkey. It’s nice to see advertisements that can both raise awareness and make the world a better place.

More info: samsungduyaneller.com (h/t: pcmag)

Muharrem’s neighbors spent a month secretly learning sign language

Hidden cameras were placed throughout his neighborhood

One day, Muharrem, a deaf man living in Istanbul, and his sister Ozlem headed out for a walk…

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…and were greeted with an unexpected “good morning” – in sign language!

The local baker was in on it too, offering bagels in sign language

This man at the grocer’s dropped his oranges and when Muharrem and Ozlem picked them up for him…

…he offers them each an apple – in sign language

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Muharrem’s confused – why is everyone signing?

Et tu, taxi driver?

This man is confused, but his sister knows what’s up

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As they head to the town square, the team prepares for the finale

He’s surrounded by his signing neighbors!

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His reaction says it all!

This goes to show how important it is to break down communication barriers…

…and how meaningful that can be for people who experience those barriers every day

The video:

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mayaab avatar
jamie_mayfield avatar
JamieMayfield
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It is pretty easy to learn, most signs kind of look like what you are saying. Some communities host silent dinners or lunches where deaf people and people learning sign chat together over a meal. Most deaf people are really open to people learning sign but they also sign really fast so it is always acceptable to ask them to sign slowly and more at your pace.

Load More Replies...
madeinbrazil78 avatar
ErikaCarlson
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Dammit! Who brought out the onions? This is not the time to cut vegetables!

NinjaCat avatar
BoredPandaCancer
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If I would be in Muharrem's position, I think I would just freak out that everyone suddenly uses sign language XD

54ff4199cba15 avatar
CarolynLaurito
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Your story was incredible...what you did for one person will be multiplied tenfold! Thank you for sharing!

laurel19 avatar
laurel19
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i think ... Finally the people of our beautiful planet earth is waking up to it's reality... Optimus relations is our commitment as humans!

hazelita.f.hayes avatar
HazelitaHayes
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Love this. This makes him less a minority&part of society even more.The more inclusion, the better society.

ruthc217 avatar
RuthPfeiffer
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

awesome.. an entire neighborhood came together to make one person very welcome :)

djeasily avatar
MarcelIseli
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sign language is very interesting. Did you know that SL are also universal? Almost every country has their own sing language and most of them also have several sign languages according to the region. You can learn more about sign languages on http://linguaholic.com/topic/4008-why-sign-language-cant-be-international/

amandamartin avatar
AmandaMartin
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Reading this article encouraged me to write one of my own. It really gives you a glimpse of the deaf, by highlighting how elated most are when they notice someone using their language. Once the Deaf realize you sign, it brings this indescribable glow to their whole face. As a hearing person fully submersed in the Deaf Community, there are 3 things that make the deaf community so amazing. Click the link below to find out! https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-deaf-community-amazing-from-hearing-persons-amanda-martin

imjspk avatar
bene
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Although Those are simulated situations, I could feel warmhearted! It's surprising that SAMSUNG planned this project. I'm so proud of samsung and I hope more projects like this will be planned.

yvonne avatar
yvonne
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Cried my eyes out. How fabulous are those people. Amazed and humbled

jonniew avatar
JonnieWilson
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just wonderful, if a company is going to advertise this is definitely the way to go!! What a lovely surprise for Muharrem. :)

54a886458b2d4 avatar
SuzPratt
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Simply perfect. Language spoken can be conflictive depending on the ears perception whereas no one could misinterpret this communication.

valerie_glantschnig avatar
ValerieGlantschnig
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It is beautiful. So many people worked together to make one person feel less isolated.a gift of caring! :-)

prudhvireddy avatar
PrudhviReddy
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That truly brought tears.... best thing i've seen in a few days

divinekoffi_fiati avatar
DivineKoffiFiati
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Very humanizing. If only we can all do this every day for our beloved ones.

Nickytrini avatar
NicolePaul
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Beautiful, fantastic- we need more of this in the world. Congratuitous to all that took part. To Samsung - Way to go!

Frankie14850 avatar
FranklinCrawford
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lovely. In another culture, it might have backfired. I am wondering if the young man was somehow hand-selected b/c it's all a little pat.

mtjj316 avatar
MaryRodriguez
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's a good feeling !! I know. This story touched my heart ❤️

sharon.bakar avatar
SharonBakar
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There had to be a commercial angle to it. Why couldn't people just have done this from the kindness of their hearts?

BabyKangeroo7 avatar
BabyKangeroo7
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is so nice of them all to do... and they didn't need to do it either!

tracy_hodgins avatar
TracyHodgins
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

brilliant. i wish it was taught to every child in the world, then language wouldnt be a barrier when people travel to other countries.

amabush avatar
amabush
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's an advertisement. Did the residents continue to use sign language or did he lapse back into isolation once Samsung went on their way?

ramcox avatar
RebeccaCox
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Brilliant, great to see an advert that has meaning by changing the lives of others.

sandie avatar
sandie
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This sure is pretty cool, tears in my eyes!! I cannot imagine not being able to hear or see!! I am so fortunate. I used to know some sign

sam_handwiches avatar
DavidAurey-Blackwell
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It might be a commercial but I didn't notice that til I read the comments. Had to watch again to see the little "samsung" logo in the corner

angela_booth_14418 avatar
AngelaBooth
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i think this was amazing for every one to do this that people will go out of there way to help other people

janet_krouse1 avatar
JennyKrouse
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am glad more people learn sign language I hope more people learn

glynislailann avatar
GlynisLailann
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You people are terrible! I got all choked up reading this story. Marvellous campaign. Bravo.

rudavids7 avatar
rudavids7
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What's awesome is the post on here are nice and loving. The post on Facebook negative. Thank God I don't have Facebook.

rudavids7 avatar
rudavids7
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This was beautiful. I feel everyone should learn sign. People are born deaf not a choice. All schools should have sign.

rudavids7 avatar
rudavids7
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is why I'm learning sign. People who are deaf don't have choice. I think all schools should teach sign. This story was beautiful.

maude_rigby avatar
MaudeRigby
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In a world that can be cold and harsh, this is a wonderful story!

Patzpie avatar
Patzpie
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I cried when he realized everyone was in on his special surpr

PurpleDragonfly7 avatar
KarenCline
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am deaf, it is so beautiful story! I want my neighbors do learn sign language so I could chat...

Mermaidkaloe avatar
Mermaidkaloe
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Amazing I feel so proud because they do consider for deaf people

shvetasaayra avatar
shvetasaayra
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Restoring faith in humanity which is hard to find these days. Heartwarming. Touched a chord in the heart. Bravo!

shvetasaayra avatar
shvetasaayra
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Simply heartwarming. So many beautiful minds doing their bit to restore faith in humanity which is so hard to see these days. Bravo!

rina_hutagaol_3 avatar
RinaHutagaol
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We need to do more kindness like this in our today daily lives. Agree, this is indeed beautiful story and touching. Good job samsung!

melanie_besser avatar
MelanieBesser
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Awesome! Can't think of anything else. Samsung just scored major brownie points in my book.

mayaab avatar
jamie_mayfield avatar
JamieMayfield
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It is pretty easy to learn, most signs kind of look like what you are saying. Some communities host silent dinners or lunches where deaf people and people learning sign chat together over a meal. Most deaf people are really open to people learning sign but they also sign really fast so it is always acceptable to ask them to sign slowly and more at your pace.

Load More Replies...
madeinbrazil78 avatar
ErikaCarlson
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Dammit! Who brought out the onions? This is not the time to cut vegetables!

NinjaCat avatar
BoredPandaCancer
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If I would be in Muharrem's position, I think I would just freak out that everyone suddenly uses sign language XD

54ff4199cba15 avatar
CarolynLaurito
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Your story was incredible...what you did for one person will be multiplied tenfold! Thank you for sharing!

laurel19 avatar
laurel19
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i think ... Finally the people of our beautiful planet earth is waking up to it's reality... Optimus relations is our commitment as humans!

hazelita.f.hayes avatar
HazelitaHayes
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Love this. This makes him less a minority&part of society even more.The more inclusion, the better society.

ruthc217 avatar
RuthPfeiffer
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

awesome.. an entire neighborhood came together to make one person very welcome :)

djeasily avatar
MarcelIseli
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sign language is very interesting. Did you know that SL are also universal? Almost every country has their own sing language and most of them also have several sign languages according to the region. You can learn more about sign languages on http://linguaholic.com/topic/4008-why-sign-language-cant-be-international/

amandamartin avatar
AmandaMartin
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Reading this article encouraged me to write one of my own. It really gives you a glimpse of the deaf, by highlighting how elated most are when they notice someone using their language. Once the Deaf realize you sign, it brings this indescribable glow to their whole face. As a hearing person fully submersed in the Deaf Community, there are 3 things that make the deaf community so amazing. Click the link below to find out! https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-deaf-community-amazing-from-hearing-persons-amanda-martin

imjspk avatar
bene
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Although Those are simulated situations, I could feel warmhearted! It's surprising that SAMSUNG planned this project. I'm so proud of samsung and I hope more projects like this will be planned.

yvonne avatar
yvonne
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Cried my eyes out. How fabulous are those people. Amazed and humbled

jonniew avatar
JonnieWilson
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just wonderful, if a company is going to advertise this is definitely the way to go!! What a lovely surprise for Muharrem. :)

54a886458b2d4 avatar
SuzPratt
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Simply perfect. Language spoken can be conflictive depending on the ears perception whereas no one could misinterpret this communication.

valerie_glantschnig avatar
ValerieGlantschnig
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It is beautiful. So many people worked together to make one person feel less isolated.a gift of caring! :-)

prudhvireddy avatar
PrudhviReddy
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That truly brought tears.... best thing i've seen in a few days

divinekoffi_fiati avatar
DivineKoffiFiati
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Very humanizing. If only we can all do this every day for our beloved ones.

Nickytrini avatar
NicolePaul
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Beautiful, fantastic- we need more of this in the world. Congratuitous to all that took part. To Samsung - Way to go!

Frankie14850 avatar
FranklinCrawford
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lovely. In another culture, it might have backfired. I am wondering if the young man was somehow hand-selected b/c it's all a little pat.

mtjj316 avatar
MaryRodriguez
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's a good feeling !! I know. This story touched my heart ❤️

sharon.bakar avatar
SharonBakar
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There had to be a commercial angle to it. Why couldn't people just have done this from the kindness of their hearts?

BabyKangeroo7 avatar
BabyKangeroo7
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is so nice of them all to do... and they didn't need to do it either!

tracy_hodgins avatar
TracyHodgins
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

brilliant. i wish it was taught to every child in the world, then language wouldnt be a barrier when people travel to other countries.

amabush avatar
amabush
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's an advertisement. Did the residents continue to use sign language or did he lapse back into isolation once Samsung went on their way?

ramcox avatar
RebeccaCox
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Brilliant, great to see an advert that has meaning by changing the lives of others.

sandie avatar
sandie
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This sure is pretty cool, tears in my eyes!! I cannot imagine not being able to hear or see!! I am so fortunate. I used to know some sign

sam_handwiches avatar
DavidAurey-Blackwell
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It might be a commercial but I didn't notice that til I read the comments. Had to watch again to see the little "samsung" logo in the corner

angela_booth_14418 avatar
AngelaBooth
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i think this was amazing for every one to do this that people will go out of there way to help other people

janet_krouse1 avatar
JennyKrouse
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am glad more people learn sign language I hope more people learn

glynislailann avatar
GlynisLailann
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You people are terrible! I got all choked up reading this story. Marvellous campaign. Bravo.

rudavids7 avatar
rudavids7
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What's awesome is the post on here are nice and loving. The post on Facebook negative. Thank God I don't have Facebook.

rudavids7 avatar
rudavids7
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This was beautiful. I feel everyone should learn sign. People are born deaf not a choice. All schools should have sign.

rudavids7 avatar
rudavids7
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is why I'm learning sign. People who are deaf don't have choice. I think all schools should teach sign. This story was beautiful.

maude_rigby avatar
MaudeRigby
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In a world that can be cold and harsh, this is a wonderful story!

Patzpie avatar
Patzpie
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I cried when he realized everyone was in on his special surpr

PurpleDragonfly7 avatar
KarenCline
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am deaf, it is so beautiful story! I want my neighbors do learn sign language so I could chat...

Mermaidkaloe avatar
Mermaidkaloe
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Amazing I feel so proud because they do consider for deaf people

shvetasaayra avatar
shvetasaayra
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Restoring faith in humanity which is hard to find these days. Heartwarming. Touched a chord in the heart. Bravo!

shvetasaayra avatar
shvetasaayra
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Simply heartwarming. So many beautiful minds doing their bit to restore faith in humanity which is so hard to see these days. Bravo!

rina_hutagaol_3 avatar
RinaHutagaol
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We need to do more kindness like this in our today daily lives. Agree, this is indeed beautiful story and touching. Good job samsung!

melanie_besser avatar
MelanieBesser
Community Member
9 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Awesome! Can't think of anything else. Samsung just scored major brownie points in my book.

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