Abstract ideas are not copiously rendered in signs. But it often happens that a gesture with the index alone is specific, while the same gesture with the flat hand becomes abstract. For example, compare yonder and far, up and up there.
OPPOSITION
The principle of opposition as pointed out by Mallery plays an important part in the pairing of signs. Thus above being fixed, below is the reverse; the sign come is reversed in go, and out reversed in in, etc.
EMPHASIS
Emphasis is sometimes given by using both hands for a sign that can be made by one, sometimes by repeating the sign, sometimes by energetic rendering, and sometimes by adding the sign very much or heap.
PARALLEL OR DUPLICATE SIGNS
Many signs are made by parallel action of both hands. Most of these are permissibly rendered by using only one hand as, woman, abandon, gratitude, etc.
ENUNCIATION OR DELIVERY
In actual and expert practice most signs are abbreviated. But the beginner, as in all new arts, should go slowly and be careful to make each sign clear-cut and complete in itself.
The hands are always held or moved so as to illustrate,