DIALOGUES.
TENDOY-HUERITO DIALOGUE.
The following conversation took place at Washington in April, 1880, between Tendoy, chief of the Shoshoni and Banak Indians of Idaho, and Huerito, one of the Apache chiefs from New Mexico, in the presence of Dr. W.J. Hoffman. Neither of these Indians spoke any language known to the other, or had ever met or heard of one another before that occasion:
Huerito.—Who are you?
Place the flat and extended right hand, palm forward, about twelve inches in front of and as high as the shoulder, then shake the hand from side to side as it is moved forward and upward—question, who are you? Fig. 304.
Tendoy.—Shoshoni chief.
Place the closed right hand near the right hip leaving the index only extended, palm down; then pass the hand toward the front and left, rotating it from side to side—Shoshoni, Fig. 305; then place the closed hand, with the index extended and pointing upward, near the right cheek, pass it upward as high as the head, then turn it forward and downward toward the ground, terminating with the movement a little below the initial point—chief. Fig. 306.
Huerito.—How old are you?
Clinch both hands and cross the forearms before the breast with a trembling motion—cold—winter, year, Fig. 307; then elevate the left hand as high as the neck and about twelve or fifteen inches before it, palm toward the face, with fingers extended and pointing upward; then, with the index, turn down one finger after another slowly, beginning at the little finger, until three or four are folded against the palm, and look inquiringly at the person addressed—how many? See Fig. 302.
Tendoy.—Fifty-six.
Close and extend the fingers and thumbs of both hands, with the palms forward, five times—fifty; then extend the fingers and thumb of the left hand, close the right, and place the extended thumb alongside of and near the left thumb—six. Fig. 308.
Huerito.—Very well. Are there any buffalo in your country?
Place the flat right hand, pointing to the left, with the palm down, against the breast-bone; then move it forward and slightly to the right and in an upward curve; make the gesture rather slow and nearly to arm's length (otherwise, i.e., if made hastily and but a short distance, it would only mean good)—very good, Fig. 309; place both closed hands to their respective sides of the head, palms toward the hair, leaving the forefingers curved—buffalo, see Fig. 298, p. [477]; then reach out the fist to arm's length toward the west, and throw it forcibly toward the ground for a distance of about six inches, edge downward—country, away to the west; then point the curved index rather quickly and carelessly toward the person addressed—your.
Tendoy.—Yes; many black buffalo.
Pass the closed right hand, with the index partly flexed, to a position about eight inches before the right collar-bone, and, as the hand reaches that elevation, quickly close the index—yes; then make the same sign as in the preceding question for buffalo; touch the hair on the right side of the head with the palms of the extended fingers of the right hand—black; spread the curved fingers and thumbs of both hands, place them before either thigh, pointing downward; then draw them toward one another and upward as high as the stomach, so that the fingers will point toward one another, or may be interlaced—many. Fig. 310.
Tendoy.—Did you hear anything from the Secretary? If so, tell me.
Close the right hand, leaving the index and thumb widely separated, pass it by the ear from the back of the ear downward and toward the chin, palm toward the head—hear, see Fig. 316, p. [492]; point to the individual addressed—you; close the hand again, leaving the index and thumb separated as in the sign for hear and placing the palmar surface of the finger horizontally across the forehead, pointing to the left, allow the thumb to rest against the right temple; then draw the index across the forehead from left to right, leaving the thumb touching the head—white man; then place the closed hand, with elevated index, before the right side of the neck or in front of the top of the shoulder; pass the index, pointing upward, as high as the top of the head; turn it forward and downward as far as the breast—chief; pass the extended index, pointing up ward and forward, forward from the mouth twice—talk; then open and flatten the hand, palm up, outer edge toward the face, place it about fifteen inches in front of the chin, and draw it horizontally inward until the hand nearly touches the neck—tell me.
Huerito.—He told me that in four days I would go to my country.
Close the right hand, leaving the index curved; place it about six inches from the ear and move it in toward the external meatus—told me, hear, I heard, Fig. 311; with the right hand still closed, form a circle with the index and thumb by allowing their tips to touch; pass the hand from east to west at arm's length—day; place the left hand before the breast, the fingers extended, and the thumb resting against the palm, back forward, and, with the index, turn down one finger after another, beginning at the little finger—four; touch the breast with the tips of the finger and thumb of the left hand collected to a point—I; drop the hand a short distance and move it forward to arm's length and slightly upward until it points above the horizon—go to*; then as the arm is extended, throw the fist edgewise toward the ground—my country.
Tendoy.—In two days I go to my country just as you go to yours. I go to mine where there is a great deal of snow, and we shall see each other no more.
Place the flat hands horizontally, about two feet apart, move them quickly in an upward curve toward one another until the right lies across the left—night, Fig. 312, repeat this sign—two nights (literally two sleeps hence); point toward the individual addressed with the right hand—you; and in a continuous movement pass the hand to the right, i.e., toward the south, nearly to arm's length—go; then throw the fist edgewise toward the ground at that distance—your country; then touch the breast with the tips of the fingers of the left hand—I; move the hand off slowly toward the left, i.e., toward the north to arm's length—go to*; and throw the clinched hand toward the ground—my country; then hold both hands toward the left as high as the head, palms down, with fingers and thumbs pendent and separated; move them toward the ground two or three times—rain, Fig. 313; then place the flat hands horizontally to the left of the body about two feet from the ground—deep; (literally, deep rain) snow—and raise them until about three feet from the ground—very deep—much; place the hands before the body about twelve inches apart, palms down, with forefingers only extended and pointing toward one another; push them toward and from one another several times—see each other, Fig. 314; then hold the flat right hand in front of the breast, pointing forward, palm to the left, and throw it over on its back toward the right—not, no more.
Explanatory Note.—Where the asterisks appear in the above dialogue the preposition to is included in the gesture. After touching the breast for I, the slow movement forward signifies going to, and country is signified by locating it at arm's length toward the west, to the left of the gesturer, as the stopping-place, also possession by the clinched fist being directed toward the ground. It is the same as for my or mine, though made before the body in the latter signs. The direction of Tendoy's hands, first to the south and afterwards to the north, was understood not as pointing to the exact locality of the two parts of the country, but to the difference in their respective climates.
OMAHA COLLOQUY.
The following is contributed by Rev. J. Owen Dorsey:
Question. From what quarter is the wind?
Raise the curved right hand, palm in, in front of the left shoulder. Draw in toward the body a little, then from the body several times in different directions.
Answer. From that quarter.
Hand as above; draw in towards the body once, and farther with emphasis, according to the direction of the wind.
BRULÉ DAKOTA COLLOQUY.
The following signs, forming a question and answer, were obtained by Dr. W.J. Hoffman, from Ta-tan-ka Wa-kan (Medicine Bull), a Brulé Dakota chief who visited Washington during the winter of 1880-'81:
Question. We went to the department [of the interior], shook hands with the secretary and had a conversation with him, did you hear of it?
(1) Extend and separate the thumb and index, leaving the remaining fingers closed, place the ball of the thumb against the temple above the outer corner of the eye, and the index across the forehead, the tip resting on the left temple, then draw the index across to the right until its tip touches the thumb—white man, Fig. 315; (2) Elevate the extended index before the shoulder, palm forward, pass it upward, as high as the head, and forming a short curve to the front, then downward again slightly to the front to before the breast and about fifteen inches from it—chief; (3) Fingers of both hands extended and separated; then interlace them so that the tips of the fingers of one hand protrude beyond the backs of those of the opposing one; hold the hands in front of the breast, pointing upward, leaving the wrists about six inches apart—lodge; (4) Place the left hand a short distance before the breast, palm down and slightly arched, fingers directed toward the right and front, then pass the flat and extended right hand forward, under and beyond the left, forming a downward curve, the right hand being as high as the left at the commencement and termination of the gesture—enter, entered; (5) Clasp the hands before the body, left uppermost—shook hands, friendly; (6) Place the flat right hand before the chin, palm up with fingers directed to the left, then pass the hand forward several times—talk, talked to him; (7) Reverse this motion, beginning away from the body, drawing the hand edgewise toward the chin several times—talked to me; (8) Separate the extended thumb and index as far as possible, leaving the remaining fingers closed, place the hand about six inches opposite the right ear, palm toward the head, then pass it in a curve forward and downward, terminating at the height of the elbow—hear, heard; (9) then in a continuous movement direct the extended index at the individual addressed, the face expressing a look of inquiry—you.
ANALYSIS.
| Wa-śi'-cun | i-tan-can | ti-el' | ti'-ma-hel | unk-i'-pi | na |
| (1) | (2) | (3) | (4) | ||
| White man | chief | lodge in | lodge within | we were at that place | and |
| na'-pe-un-za-pi | na | ki-ci | wo-un-gla-ka-pi | kin |
| (5) | (6,7) | |||
| hand we hold it, take hold of | and | to each other | we talk | the thing |
| na-ya-ḣon-hu-o |
| (8,9) |
| you hear it? |
It will be observed that the interrogation point is placed under the last syllable, hu-o, the latter implying a question, though the gesture was not made to accompany it, the gestures for hear and you, with a look of inquiry, being deemed sufficient to express the desire on the part of the speaker.
Answer. Yes, I heard of it, but did not see it.
(1) Hold the naturally closed hand before the right side of the breast or shoulder, leaving the index and thumb loosely extended, then, as the hand is thrown downward and forward, bring the index against the inner side of the thumb—yes. (2) Repeat gesture No. 8—heard, Fig. 316; (3) pass the extended index forward from the right eye—saw; (4) then in a continuous motion extend all the fingers so as to place the flat hand edgewise, and pointing forward about twelve inches before the right side of the breast, and throw it outward and slightly downward—no, not.
ANALYSIS.
| Ha-u | na-wa'-ḣon | tka | wan-mla'-ke | śni |
| (1) | (2) | (3) | (4) | |
| Yes, | I heard | (but) | I saw it. | not. |
DIALOGUE BETWEEN ALASKAN INDIANS.
The following introductory notes are furnished by Mr. Ivan Petroff, who contributes the Dialogue:
It has been repeatedly stated that among the natives of Alaska no trace of gesture or sign language can be found. The universal spread of the Russian language in former times as a medium of trade and general intercourse has certainly prevented observations of this primitive linguistic feature in all the vast regions visited by the Russians. On the other hand, the homogeneous elements of the Innuit tongue, spoken along the whole seacoast from the Arctic to the Alaskan Peninsula, and the Island of Kadiak, has, to a great extent, abolished all causes for the employment of sign language between tribes in their mutual intercourse. Basing their opinions upon what they saw while touching upon the coast here and there, even the acknowledged authorities on Alaskan matters have declared that sign language did not and could not exist in all that country. Without entering into any lengthened dispute upon this question, I venture to present in the subjoined pages a succinct account of at least one instance where I saw natives of different tribes converse with each other only by means of signs and gestures within the boundaries of Alaska.
In the month of September, 1866, there arrived on the Lower Kinnik River, a stream emptying its waters into Cook's Inlet, two Indians from a distant region, who did not speak the Kenaitze language. The people of the settlement at which the strangers made their first appearance were equally at a loss to understand the visitors. At last a chief of great age, bearing the name of Chatidoolts (mentioned by Vancouver as a youth), was found to be able to interpret some of the signs made by the strangers, and after a little practice he entered into a continued conversation with them in rather a roundabout way, being himself blind. He informed me that it was the second or third time within his recollection that strangers like those then present had come to Kinnik from the northeast, but that in his youth he had frequently "talked with his hands" to their visitors from the west and east. He also told me that he had acquired this art from his father, who, as the old man expressed himself, had "seen every country, and spoken to all the tribes of the earth." The conversation was carried on with the help of the old man's sons, who described to their blind parent the gestures of the strangers, and were instructed in turn by him with what gestures to reply.
This being an entirely new experience to me I at once proceeded to carefully make notes of the desultory talk, extending over several days. My object, primarily, was to make use of the signs for purposes of trade in the future.
The notes thus obtained contain a narrative of the two strangers, interpreted to me at the time by Chatidoolts. I shall present each sign or sentence as I noted it at the time, with only casual reference to that incomplete and frequently erroneous interpretation.
The two Indians wore the pointed hunting shirt of tanned moose-skin, ornamented with beads and fringes which is still common to the Kutchin tribes. They were not tattooed, but ears and noses were encumbered with pendants of dentalium and a small red glass bead. Their feet were clothed in moccasins. One of them had a rifle of English manufacture, and his companion carried two huge knives, one of them of copper evidently of native manufacture.
(1) Kenaitze.—Left hand raised to height of eye, palm outward, moved several times from right to left rapidly; fingers extended and closed; pointing to strangers with left hand. Right hand describes a curve from north to east—Which of the northeastern tribes is yours?
(2) Tennanah.—Right hand, hollowed, lifted to mouth, then extended and describing waving line gradually descending from right to left. Left hand describing mountainous outline, apparently one peak rising above the other, said by Chatidoolts to mean—Tenan-tnu-kohtana, Mountain-river-men.
(3) K.—Left hand raised to height of eye, palm outward, moved from right to left, fingers extended. Left index describes curve from east to west. Outline of mountain and river as in preceding sign.—How many days from Mountain-river?
(4) T.—Right hand raised toward sky, index and thumb forming first crescent and then ring. This repeated three times—moon, new and full three times.
(5) Right hand raised, palm to front, index raised and lowered at regular intervals—walked. Both hands imitating paddling of canoe, alternately right and left—traveled three months on foot and by canoe.
(6) Both arms crossed over breast, simulating shivering—cold, winter.
(7) Right index pointing toward speaker—I. Left hand pointing to the west—traveled westward.
(8) Right hand lifted cup-shaped to mouth—water. Right hand describing waving line from right to left gradually descending, pointing to the west—river running westward.
(9) Right hand gradually pushed forward, palm upward, from height of breast. Left hand shading eyes; looking at great distance—very wide.
(10) Left and right hands put together in shape of sloping shelter—lodge, camp. See Fig. 259, on p. [431].
(11) Both hands lifted, height of eye, palm inward, fingers spread—many times.
(12) Both hands closed, palm outward, height of hips—surprised.
(13) Index pointing from eye forward—see.
(14) Right hand held up, height of shoulder, three fingers extended, left hand pointing to me—three white men.
(15) K.—Right hand pointing to me, left hand held up, three fingers extended—three white men.
(16) Making Russian sign of cross—Russians. Were the three white men Russians?
(17) T.—Left hand raised, palm inward, two fingers extended, sign of cross with right—two Russians.
(18) Right hand extended, height of eye, palm outward, moved outward a little to right—no.
(19) One finger of left hand raised—one.
(20) Sign of cross with right—Russian.
(21) Right hand height of eye, fingers closed and extended, palm outward a little to right—no.
(22) Right hand carried across chest, hand extended, palm upward, fingers and thumb closed as if holding something. Left hand in same position carried across the right, palm downward—trade.
(23) Left hand upholding one finger, right pointing to me—one white man.
(24) Right hand held horizontally, palm downward, about four feet from ground—small.
(25) Forming rings before eyes with index and thumb—eye-glasses.
(26) Right hand clinched, palm upward, in front of chest, thumb pointing inward—gave one.
(27) Forming cup with right hand, simulating drinking—drink.
(28) Right hand grasping chest repeatedly, fingers curved and spread—strong.
(29) Both hands pressed to temple and head moved from side to side—drunk, headache.
(30) Both index fingers placed together, extended, pointing forward—together.
(31) Fingers interlaced repeatedly—build.
(32) Left hand extended, fingers closed, pointing outward (vertically), right hand extended, fingers closed, placed slopingly against left—camp.
(33) Both wrists placed against temples, hands curved upward and outward, fingers spread—horns.
(34) Both hands horizontally lifted to height of shoulder, right arm extended gradually full length to the right, hand drooping a little at the end—long back, moose.
(35) Both hands upright, palm outward, fingers extended and spread, placing one before the other alternately—trees, forest, dense forest.
(36) Sign of cross—Russian.
(37) Motions of shooting a gun—shot.
(38) Sign for moose (Nos. 33, 34), showing two fingers of left hand—two.
(39) Sign for camp as before (No. 10) camp.
(40) Right hand describing curve from east to west, twice—two days.
(41) Left hand lifted height of mouth, back outward, fingers closed as if holding something; right hand simulating motion of tearing off and placing in mouth—eating moose meat.
(42) Right hand placed horizontally against heart, fingers closed, moved forward a little and raised a little several times—glad at heart.
(43) Fingers of left hand and index of right hand extended and placed together horizontally, pointing forward, height of chest. Hands separated, right pointing eastward and left westward—three men and speaker parted, going west and east.
(44) Pressing both arms against chest and shivering—very cold.
(45) Drawing index of each hand around corresponding legs below the knee—deep snow.
(46) Drawing imaginary line with index of right hand across each foot, just behind the toes—snow shoes.
(47) Head lowered to right side into palm of hand three times—slept three times.
(48) Sign for camp, as before (No. 10)—camp.
(49) Pointing to speaker—I.
(50) Fingers of right hand extended and joined and pointed forward from mouth, left hand lowered horizontally to a foot from the ground—fox.
(51) Left hand raised height of eye, back to the left, fingers closed, with exception of middle finger held upright; then middle finger suddenly closed—trap.
(52) Both hands lifted height of eye, palm inward, fingers spread—many.
(53) Right hand pointing to speaker—I.
(54) Sign for trap (No. 51), as above—trap.
(55) Right hand lowered to within a few inches of the ground and moved from left to right about two feet. Motions of both hands descriptive of playful jumping of marten around a tree or stump—marten.
(56) Holding up the fingers of both hands three times until aggregating thirty—thirty.
(57) Left forearm held up vertically, palm to front, fingers spread—tree.
(58) Motion of chopping with hatchet—cut.
(59) Driving invisible wedge around small circle—peeling birch bark.
(60) Right hand, fingers extended and joined, moved slowly from left to right horizontally while blowing upon it with mouth—pitching seams of canoe.
(61) Motions of using paddle very vigorously—paddle up stream.
(62) Lifting both arms above head on respective sides, hands closed as if grasping something and lifting the body—poling canoe.
(63) Sign for moon (No. 4), (crescent and ring) once—one month.
(64) Right hand vertically, height of chest, palm to left, fingers extended, closed. Left hand horizontally, palm downward, pushed against right—stopped.
(65) Right hand, index extended, drawing outline of mountains, one above other—high mountains.
(66) Left hand lifted to left shoulder, back to front, fingers bent and closed. Right hand, fingers bent and closed, placed over left and then slowly drawn across chest to right shoulder. Motion with both hands as if adjusting pack—pack, knapsack.
(67) Sign for water as before (No. 8). Both hands brought forward, palms down, arms passed outward horizontally to respective sides, palms down—lake. Both hands describing circular line backward until touching collar bone—big and deep.
(68) Left hand raised slightly about height of nipple, three fingers closed; index and thumb holding tip of index of right hand. Both hands moved across chest from left to right—beaver.[1]
(69) Previous sign for many (No. 52) repeated several times—very plentiful.
(70) Both hands held up with fingers spread, palm forward, twice and left hand once—height of eye—twenty-five.
(71) Pointing to himself—I.
(72) Sign for trap as before (No. 51)—trapped.
(73) Sign for temporary shelter (No. 10)—camped.
(74) Sign for new and full moon (No. 4), once—one month.
(75) Right hand passed slowly over the hair and chin. Left hand touching a pendant of white beads—old man.
(76) Index of right hand held up—one.
(77) Both hands partially closed and placed against breast, back of hands to front, a few inches apart—women.
(78) Index and middle finger of right hand held up, palm forward; eyes directed as if counting—two.
(79) Sign for trap as before (No. 51)—trapping.
(80) Left forearm vertically in front of chest, palm of hand to front, fingers spread, elbow resting upon the back of the right hand—tree.
(81) Arms and hands spanning imaginary tree of some size—big.
(82) Sign for tree as before (No. 57), left forearm suddenly brought down across extended right hand—fell.
(83) Right hand laid on top of head, then passed over the hair and chin, left hand touching white beads—on the head of the old man.
(84) Sign for old man as before (No. 75)—old man.
(85) Closing both eyes with fore and middle finger of right hand; both hands placed side by side, horizontally, palms downward, fingers extended and united, hands separated by slow horizontal movement to right and left—dead.
(86) Sign for women as before (No. 77)—women.
(87) Fingers of both hands interlaced at right angles several times—built.
(88) Sign for lodge as before (No. 10)—lodge.[2]
(89) Right index describing circle around the head, height of eye (cutting hair). Right hand passed over forehead and face. Left index pointing to black scabbard (blacking faces)—mourning.
(90) Index and middle finger of right hand passed from eyes downward across cheeks—weeping.
(91) Pointing to himself—I.
(92) Make the signs for shoot (Nos. 33, 34), and moose (No. 37)—shot a moose.
(93) Left hand extended horizontally, palm upward, right hand placed across left vertically, about the middle—divided in two.
(94) Right hand closed, palm downward, moved forward from right breast the length of the arm and then opened—I gave.
(95) Sign for women, (No. 77)—to women.
(96) Right hand, palm down, pointing to left, placed horizontally before heart and slightly raised several times—good and glad.
(97) Pointing to his companion—he.
(98) Motion of paddling—in canoe.
(99) Right arm and hand extended in N.E. direction, gradually curved back until index touches speaker—came to me from the northeast.
(100) Sign for together as above (No. 30)—together.
(101) Motion of paddling—paddled.
(102) Pointing to ground—to this place.
(103) K. Motion of drinking water out of hand—water.
(104) Describing circle with right index on palm of left hand extended horizontally—lake.
(105) Left hand raised to height of eye, palm to front, fingers leaning slightly backward. Fingers of left hand closed alternately—how many?
(106) T. Holding up right hand back to front, showing four fingers, eyes looking at them as if counting—four.
(107) Sign for packing with wooden breast-brace as above; three fingers of right hand shown as above—three portages.
(108) K. Right hand pointing to gun of stranger—gun. Left hand raised height of eye, palm to front, and moved rapidly several times to right and left—interrogation.
(109) Sign for trade as before (No. 22)—trade; i.e., where did you buy the gun?
(110) T. Sign for Mountain-river as above (No. 2). Pointing eastward—from the eastward.
(111) Pointing to sun and then raising both hands, backs to front, fingers spread—ten days.
(112) Pointing to me—white man.
(113) Left hand held up vertically, palm outward, fingers joined. Right index placed horizontally across fingers of left hand in front, about the middle joint—pallisaded.
(114) Describing square with right index on flat palm of left hand—building.
(115) Pointing to his gun, powder-horn, blanket, and beads—trading goods.
(116) Both hands horizontal, brought forward and upward from chest and then downward—plenty.
In giving this narrative I have observed the original sequence, but there were frequent interruptions, caused by consultation between Chatidoolts and his sons, and before the strangers departed again they had obtained a knowledge of some words of the Kenaitze language.
Footnote 1: [ (return) ]
Chatidoolts explained this to his sons as well as to me, saying that the mountain men had a peculiar mode of catching beavers with long sticks.
Footnote 2:[ (return) ]
They never occupy a house in which one of the other Indians died.
OJIBWA DIALOGUE.
[Communicated by the Very Rev. Edward Jacker.]
The following short dialogue forms part of the scanty tradition the civilized Ojibwas possess regarding their ancestors' sign language:
Two Indians of different tongue meet on a journey. First Indian points to second Indian with the outstretched forefinger of the right hand, bringing it within a few inches of his breast; next he extends both forearms horizontally, clinches all but the forefingers, and bends the hands inward; then he brings them slowly and in a straight line together, until the tips of the outstretched forefingers meet. This gesture is accompanied with a look of inquiry—You met somebody?
Second Indian, facing the south, points to the east, and with the outstretched hand forms a half-circle from east to west (corresponding to the daily course of the sun); then he raises the arm and points to a certain height above the southern horizon. Then the sign for meeting (as above) may be made, or omitted. After this he bends the right hand downward, and repeatedly moves the outstretched forefinger and middle finger in opposite directions (in imitation of the motion of the legs in the act of walking). Finally he raises the right hand and stretches up the forefinger (or several fingers). To-day, when the sun stood at such a height, I met one (or several) persons traveling on foot. If the travelers met were on horseback he makes the sign for horse as described by (Dakota III), see Extracts from Dictionary, or the identical one for going given by (Ojibwa I), which is as follows: To describe a journey on horseback the first two fingers of the right hand are placed astride of the forefinger of the left hand, and both represent the galloping movement of a horse. If it is a foot journey, wave the two fingers several times through the air.