Introduction to the Study of Sign Language Among the North American Indians: As Illustrating the Gesture Speech of Mankind (Classic Reprint) - Hardcover

Garrick Mallery

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0265401992 ISBN 13: 9780265401996

Publisher: Forgotten Books, 2018

Synopsis

Unlock the world of gesture-language with this pioneering work

Explore how Native American sign language and gesture-speech were studied, cataloged, and compared to other sign systems. This edition presents practical notes, historical context, and methodical diagrams that illuminate how ideas are expressed without spoken words.

This volume surveys the scope, variety, and artistry of gesture-signs among North American Indians. It explains how signs can convey meaning, how observers contributed signs, and how hand positions, facial expressions, and context shape understanding. Rich in descriptive examples, it also shows how researchers prepared outlines and reference sheets to help capture every gesture with clarity.

• Learn how signs are organized and described, including the use of asterisks to mark especially sought signs.
• See how arm and hand positions are illustrated and how observers could adapt signs to new observations.
• Discover the cultural and historical context that shaped gesture-language as a living art across vast landscapes.
• Explore sample descriptions and practical considerations for documenting signs in field work.

Ideal for readers of linguistic history, anthropology, and those curious about nonverbal communication across cultures.

Edition details

• Publisher: Forgotten Books
• Publication date: 2018
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0265401992
• ISBN 13: 9780265401996
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 78