My parents are deaf and I see them and many of their deaf friends use the palm (not W) to say “Welcome” ASL version rather than “You are welcome” English version when someone says “Thank you”.   I’m located in the Midwest, as if it matters what region one is from.  Perhaps New Yorkers are different and perhaps Californians are different, that, I wouldn’t be surprised (or perhaps they’re not so different?)

However, with this generation, regardless if you’re deaf or hearing.  Many younger kids respond to “Thank you” in several ways such as:  “not a problem”, “anytime”, “sure” “no prob, man!”, “Uh huh”, etc.  Likewise, I’ve seen/heard some baby boomers respond similarily as well.  Some of these responds can be considered rude, inconsiderate or less than polite depending on how the person who “thanked” you see it.  If you want to give the person who thanked you a good impression of your “integrity” and “character” as a person, you’d be wise to stick with the ever so proper “You are welcome” English version or “Welcome” ASL version.  (Seriously, ask Miss Manners)

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that the current generation is wrong, or inconsiderate or rude, but rather, the current generation is most likely misled or just wants to be unique or is simply not well versed in manners (blame it on their parents!).   One should always try to be considerate of others and take into account how others may perceive your respond to their “Thank you”.  Best to play it safe and stick with proper manners eh?   I know some will disagree, and that’s ok.  Like I always say, whatever rocks your boat. 

Let’s suppose if one was hired by a prominent company with the goal of moving up the ladder, and when a boss says “Thank you”, the deaf individual nods and put his hand out to indicate “OK” with index finger and thumbs making an “o” with the three remaining fingers upright.  What if that boss is big on manners?  That would put him off quickly.  It’s really safe to use proper manners, no matter what.  I’d think the boss would be right for feeling that way and it definitely has nothing to do with audism, if we are to be equals with hearings, we need to adhere to proper manners. 

Many people from other countries have so much respect for manners.  You will find many Europeans and Canadians among others, that are ever so polite.  I’ve met many deaf Europeans and they are very respectful and big on manners. Says a lot about Americans. 

I am a product of my ancestors and what I learned from them in the department of manners, is a very valuable tool.  Good manners will take you far. 

I’m not sure who started this ASL crap about how we’re supposed to respond to “Thank You” but, sorry folks, we all learn best from our elders when it comes to manners.  I can’t believe it when someone tells us we should not (some actually signed “I ask you (to) stop sign that!”) sign “you’re welcome”!  Who does that person thinks he/she is, telling someone how to respond to “Thank you”?  To me it does not have anything to do with ASL or English.  It has to do with manners, and nothing more.  There is an ASL sign to respond to “thank you” and it is an open palm cupped as it comes towards your stomach.  I’ve seen deaf people in my area use that sign,  all my life,  when they respond to “Thank you”.  I’ve seen it since I was a little girl, so I know, it has been used in that way.

I’ve met many current generation deaf in their 30’s and 40’s who tell me they were never taught proper manners from their hearing parents because of lack of communication, I guess that explains it.