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Description
Okay! So I was mainly thinking about this for an upcoming character I’m designing, so it got me motivated to work out the equestrian equivalent to Sign Language!

I went through a lot of iterations but mainly I wanted this mode of communication to meet this criteria:

1. Accessible as possible

-rural earth pony families don’t have access to a lot of magic.

2. Practical

-Using two of your hooves just to say something means stopping and sitting on your haunches every 2 feet - not very useful to a species that walks everywhere.

3. Expressive

-Language needs to be able to have emotion put into it as communication is integral to how we are perceived and perceive others.

So after a LOT of thinking and roadblocks I realized I was not going to be able to meet all of these criteria, at least not all at the same time and not in the way I originally thought. So instead I aimed to make the best I could and any shortcomings could be worked around as a unique cultural aspect.

#1. Tap Language

Tap language was mainly created for mute/nonverbal individuals who are capable of hearing and are communicating with other hearing individuals.

It is often used in conjunction with a small drum for ease of use, although it can be done on any hard surface without one. These drums can also be enchanted to “speak” for the user almost like a magical text to speech device.

The language is based on a 5x5 grid where the individual specifies the column and row respectively to write out words.

This is obviously time consuming so abbreviations and slang are a major part of communicating this way, often-times individuals who use tap language will develop their own unique abbreviations to use with their close friends and family.

The benefits are that you only need one hoof to communicate this way and it allows those in conversation to understand one another without having to break eye contact. On top of that those fluent in the language can walk and tap at the same time.

# 2. Tactile Signing

Also called “Horeshoe Signing” by some this mode of communication is intended for D(d)eaf/HOH individuals as well as D(d)eaf/blind.

This Language is based on touch and utilizes tapping on one’s hooves in a specific pattern to spell out words.

This language uses a form of Braille that follows the shape of the hoof wall in 6 distinct locations. Users converse by sitting and spelling out words on one another's hooves.

  (yes I did make this myself)

Tactile Signing, like Tap Language is a little time consuming so the same rules apply concerning abbreviations and slang.

This does require both individuals to sit while they converse most times. But it does only require one hoof and can be done on any part of the body although is a little less easy to read (like on the shoulder of a friend while standing next to them).

The caveat for both of these is that expression is mainly confined to the face as limbs are busy tapping. This results in many individuals developing very expressive faces, both as a way to make up for a lack of body language and as a way to add context to what they are saying.

# 3. If speaking to a group, sitting at a table and using tap language so everyone can feel the vibrations works well.

# 4. There are of course some variations within each pony species. Adult unicorns will often learn basic illusion magic to create words as a way of communicating with those who don’t use ESL. Pegasi also have a form of sign language using wing movements. It’s rudimentary and is often used in conjunction with tactile or tap sign.



So that’s what I have so far!! If I have any followers who know more than me about this stuff don’t be afraid to comment! I wanted to create something that would be as believable as possible.

Also feel free to use these ideas for your character! Just tag me so I can see

Description
Okay! So I was mainly thinking about this for an upcoming character I’m designing, so it got me motivated to work out the equestrian equivalent to Sign Language!

I went through a lot of iterations but mainly I wanted this mode of communication to meet this criteria:

1. Accessible as possible

-rural earth pony families don’t have access to a lot of magic.

2. Practical

-Using two of your hooves just to say something means stopping and sitting on your haunches every 2 feet - not very useful to a species that walks everywhere.

3. Expressive

-Language needs to be able to have emotion put into it as communication is integral to how we are perceived and perceive others.

So after a LOT of thinking and roadblocks I realized I was not going to be able to meet all of these criteria, at least not all at the same time and not in the way I originally thought. So instead I aimed to make the best I could and any shortcomings could be worked around as a unique cultural aspect.

#1. Tap Language

Tap language was mainly created for mute/nonverbal individuals who are capable of hearing and are communicating with other hearing individuals.

It is often used in conjunction with a small drum for ease of use, although it can be done on any hard surface without one. These drums can also be enchanted to “speak” for the user almost like a magical text to speech device.

The language is based on a 5x5 grid where the individual specifies the column and row respectively to write out words.

This is obviously time consuming so abbreviations and slang are a major part of communicating this way, often-times individuals who use tap language will develop their own unique abbreviations to use with their close friends and family.

The benefits are that you only need one hoof to communicate this way and it allows those in conversation to understand one another without having to break eye contact. On top of that those fluent in the language can walk and tap at the same time.

# 2. Tactile Signing

Also called “Horeshoe Signing” by some this mode of communication is intended for D(d)eaf/HOH individuals as well as D(d)eaf/blind.

This Language is based on touch and utilizes tapping on one’s hooves in a specific pattern to spell out words.

This language uses a form of Braille that follows the shape of the hoof wall in 6 distinct locations. Users converse by sitting and spelling out words on one another's hooves.

  (yes I did make this myself)

Tactile Signing, like Tap Language is a little time consuming so the same rules apply concerning abbreviations and slang.

This does require both individuals to sit while they converse most times. But it does only require one hoof and can be done on any part of the body although is a little less easy to read (like on the shoulder of a friend while standing next to them).

The caveat for both of these is that expression is mainly confined to the face as limbs are busy tapping. This results in many individuals developing very expressive faces, both as a way to make up for a lack of body language and as a way to add context to what they are saying.

# 3. If speaking to a group, sitting at a table and using tap language so everyone can feel the vibrations works well.

# 4. There are of course some variations within each pony species. Adult unicorns will often learn basic illusion magic to create words as a way of communicating with those who don’t use ESL. Pegasi also have a form of sign language using wing movements. It’s rudimentary and is often used in conjunction with tactile or tap sign.



So that’s what I have so far!! If I have any followers who know more than me about this stuff don’t be afraid to comment! I wanted to create something that would be as believable as possible.

Also feel free to use these ideas for your character! Just tag me so I can see