Everyone's got their preference when using a ride-sharing service. Some love a chatty driver or some talk radio, while others would prefer complete silence until they reach their destination. If your Uber driver happens to be deaf or hard of hearing, communication might be more difficult or potentially awkward. But the company's making it easier for riders to communicate with hearing impaired Uber drivers by providing every rider with a little lesson in American Sign Language through its ride-sharing app and Uber Sign Language feature. After all, you wanted to learn a new language anyway, right?

The list includes ten basic phrases you can use to communicate with your Uber driver who is deaf or hard of hearing. Each phrase comes paired with a GIF showcasing the necessary sign, including a letter by letter spelling of your name. If you want to do a little studying beforehand, you can visit the Uber Sign Language site where you can enter your name and practice the signs from there.

The site can be accessed on your browser of choice, but if you're ever paired with a deaf Uber driver, you'll see a pop-up within the Uber app itself. That way you'll always have the information needed to share basic greetings and requests. Even if you're not on your way somewhere, learning a sign or two is helpful if you ever run into someone with a hearing impairment, and when paired with our tips on communicating with someone who is deaf or hard of hearing, it might change the trajectory of your interaction for the better.

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