The Sign Language/Chapter 5

by J. Schuyler Long

MANKIND AND RELATIONSHIP

There are two distinguishing signs for sex, and these signs are prefixed to the sign of the person or persons signified. They are as follows:

Male.—Raise the hand to the forehead as if about to grasp the rim of the hat; go through the grasping motion as the hand reaches the forehead and is placed against it instead of out where the rim of the hat would be. The grasping motion is usually repeated several times with the hand held against the forehead. III, 31.

Female.—Lift the "A" hand to the side of the jaw just behind the ear, so that the thumb touches the jaw; draw the hand down so that the end of the thumb passes along the under edge of the jaw bone until it reaches the chin. III, 32.

Man.—The sign for "male" is usually sufficient, but to be exact the hand is then brought out indicating a man's height.

Woman.—The sign for "female" likewise is sufficient for "woman," but the height is also indicated.

Boy.—Sign for "male;" then indicate size.

Girl.—Sign for "female;" then indicate size.

Gentleman.—Sign for "male;" then bring the "5" hand down and with the ends of the fingers pointing up and the hand at right angles with the body, strike the thumb against the breast. III, 33.

Lady.—Sign for "female" and finish as in "gentleman."

Father.—With fingers closed and thumb extended, place thumb at the right side of the forehead and at right angles to it; with a slightly twisting motion, bring hand away, opening fingers and turning palm upward; at the same time bring the left hand up similarly and place parallel to the right as if lifting up a babe. III, 34.

Mother.—Starting with the sign for "woman" bring hands in same way as for "father." III, 35.

Note: There is also a common sign for "father" made by merely placing hand as indicated and then opening fingers, keeping the thumb at forehead. In the case of mother, the thumb is left at the end of the jaw near the chin and the fingers opened.

Son.—Sign for "male;" then rest the hand on the left forearm or wrist, palms of both hands up. III, 36.

Daughter.—Sign for "female;" then same as in "son."

Grandfather.—Sign for "father;" then with a slight twisting motion, raise both hands the second time and a little higher as if to represent a generation up. III, 39.

Grandmother.—Sign for "woman;" then bring hands in position as for "grandfather."

Brother.—Sign for "man;" then bring both hands together in front of you, the forefingers extended parallel, pointing outward, with the rest of the fingers closed. III, 37.

Sister.—Sign for "woman;" then same as "brother." III, 38.

Father-in-Law.—Sign for "father" and then "law." "Law" is signed as follows: Hold left hand in front of you perpendicularly, fingers together, extended parallel, pointing; throw the forefinger of the right "G" hand against the palm of the left. III, 40.

Mother-in-law.—"Mother" and "law."

Brother-in-law.—"Brother" and "law."

Sister-in-law.—"Sister" and "law."

Uncle.—Place the letter "U" at the side of the head, near the temple, and draw it downward the least bit with a wavy motion.

Aunt.—Place letter "A" opposite jaw as when making sign for "woman" but not touching; then same motion as in "uncle."

Cousin (male).—Letter "C" side of head as in "uncle;" give same motion.

Cousin (female).—Letter "C" same position as for "aunt" and give same motion.

Nephew.—Letter "N" in front of forehead and same motion.

Niece.—Letter "N" at side of right jaw and same motion.

Baby.—Indicate with arms the act of holding or swinging a baby in the arms.

Marry.—Clasp the palms of the hands together. III, 41.

Husband.—Sign for "male;" then "marry."

Wife—Sign for "female;" then "marry."

Note: The idea of celibacy is indicated by "no marriage" or "old one." Bachelor is signed by making sign for "male" and then "old, one," the "one" being moved straight out a little way. Old Maid is indicated by female sign and then as for "bachelor." Old is signed by placing the right "C" hand against the chin, closing it to "S" and drawing it down like pulling a beard.

Home.—Place the end of the right "&" hand at the mouth as in "eat;" then carry it to the right side of the cheek. III, 42.

Plate III.