Page:The-sign-language-a-manual-of-signs-2nd-ed.djvu/37

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A MANUAL OF SIGNS.
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playing a piano or a stringed instrument, only have the fingers pointing up. IV, 75.

Wish, want (something desired).—Hold the hands straight out but elbows resting against the sides; hold the palms up, fingers slightly bent like the claws of an eagle; bring the elbows back, and hold hands as if drawing something toward you. IV, 76.

Not to want, Don't want.—Hold hands in similar position, but instead of drawing back turn the hands upside down as if dropping out whatever might be in them. IV, 77.

Wonder, Astonishment.—Throw the extended hands, up in amazement. IV, 78.

Surprise.—Close the thumb and forefinger of each hand, the rest of the fingers also closed; place them directly in front of the eyes (one at either eye); suddenly open thumbs and forefingers, representing motion of opening the eyes suddenly and show look of surprise. V, 79.

Satisfied.—With a slightly upward motion draw the middle finger across the heart (feel) and then raise the hand till it strikes the back under the chin. V, 80.

Contented (in sense of relief from anxiety).—Middle finger drawn upward across heart (feel); then bring both hands up, palms down, edge of forefingers against breast, ends touching; draw the hands down while still held against the breast, as if pressing the disturbed feeling down. V, 81.

Dissatisfied, Discontented, etc.—Place the palm against the breast and then shake the body with a twisting motion several times, or make sign "satisfied" and "not."

Peace.—Clasp hands (shake hands with yourself), then turn them over and repeat in opposite direction; then bring hands away from each other, palms down, as if stroking something on either side in opposite directions. V, 82.

Excited.—Bring both middle fingers against the body at the front, one on either side, and draw first one then the other upward against the body and repeat, moving the hands alternately, assuming a nervous manner.

Endure, Suffer (bear or carry a burden).—Press the forefinger against the lips; then move hands up the shoulder as if holding the end of something resting thereon; bring the shoulders and hands forward a little simultaneously as if