Page:The-sign-language-a-manual-of-signs-2nd-ed.djvu/80

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OCCUPATIONS OF MANKIND

In indicating the individual following any occupation, make the sign for that occupation and add the sign for "-er," as follows: Bring the open hands, palms near the body and fingers pointing forward but inclined toward each other at an angle of 45 degrees, up to the breast; with the palms against the body, press them downward, indicating thus the individual. XI, 218.

Law.—Hold up open left hand, fingers up, pointing the thumb toward you; lift up the forefinger of right "G" hand and throw it against the palm of the left near the end of the fingers; strike the palm this way several times but each time striking it lower down. For "lawyer" add sign above described for "-er." XI, 219.

Preach.—Hold up the right "F" hand above the shoulder slightly forward and out; in this position throw the hand out and down, toward an imaginary audience. For "preacher" add "-er." XI, 220.

Teach.—Hold up "&" hands, one on either side of the head opposite the temples; push them outward, opening them; repeat the action several times. "Teacher," add "-er."

Lecture, Orator.—Hold up the open hand to the side and front, as a speaker does in making a gesture; bring it down diagonally a little toward the other side and repeat motion several times. "Lecturer," add "-er."

Cook.—Place right hand on palm of left and turn it as if it were a pancake. "Cook" (one who cooks), add "-er."

Baker.—Would be literally "bread maker;" make sign for bread by holding bent left hand in front; with the right "B" hand used as knife, make act of cutting across backs of fingers; then imitate action of kneading, and add "-er."

Carpenter, Cabinet-Maker.—Make motion of planing a board; add "-er."

Printer.—Make motion of printer in putting type into a stick; add "-er." XI, 221.

Shoemaker.—Push the ends of the forefingers of "G" hands toward each other as if they were awls forced through a piece