Name signs are shorthand for a specific person's name. It can be a descriptor of the person or it can just be arbitrary. It is culturally significant as they not only identify a person, but a person's significance in the community. I have a name sign as my grandmother is Deaf, so when I was born, she gave not only me, but my younger sister and brother a name sign.
Explanation:
(The last part of the question is my own personal experience so disregard, instead, insert your own experience)
They are: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Most likely, your first few Chinese classes will focus mostly on listening and speaking, and will gradually incorporate reading and writing as you go, since these are the most difficult of the four.
