Abstract

Previous studies on clocks have mostly worked on the development of clock knowledge. It is implicitly assumed that there seems to be no basic difference in the way people read a clock. This study highlights a big difference found in the language of a home signer. She reads the clock by referring to midnight and midday. For example when we say “nine o’clock (in the morning)” she would say - or rather gesture - “three to midday”, or when we say “two o’clock in the morning” she would gesture “two after midnight”. This study looks for the root of this difference and will suggest that it is influenced by religious beliefs.

Key words: Home sign language, clock, midday, midnight, prayer.