Fig. 340. Fig. 341.

The gestures, to be indicated by corrected positions of arms and by dotted lines showing the motion from the initial to the final positions (which are severally marked by an arrow-head and a cross—see Examples), will always be shown as they appear to an observer facing the gesturer, the front outline, Fig. 340, or side, Fig. 341, or both, being used as most convenient. The special positions of hands and fingers will be designated by reference to the Types of Hand Positions. For brevity in the written description, “hand” may be used for “right hand,” when that one alone is employed in any particular gesture. When more convenient to use the profile figure in which the right arm is exhibited for a gesture actually made by the left hand and arm it can be done, the fact, however, being noted.

In cases where the conception or origin of any sign is ascertained or suggested it should be annexed to the description, and when obtained from the gesturer will be so stated affirmatively, otherwise it will be considered to be presented by the observer. The graphic illustration of associated facial expression or bodily posture which may accentuate or qualify a gesture is necessarily left to the ingenuity of the contributor.

[ ORDER OF ARRANGEMENT.]

The following order of arrangement for written descriptions is suggested. The use of a separate sheet or part sheet of paper for each sign described and illustrated would be convenient in the collation. It should always be affirmatively stated whether the “conception or origin” of the sign was procured from the sign-maker, or is suggested or inferred by the observer.

Word or idea expressed by Sign:
DESCRIPTION:
CONCEPTION OR ORIGIN:
Tribe:
Locality:
Date: 188 .
Observer.

[ TYPES OF HAND POSITIONS IN SIGN LANGUAGE.]
A—Fist, palm outward, horizontal. B—Fist, back outward, oblique upward. C—Clinched, with thumb extended against forefinger, upright, edge outward.
D—Clinched, ball of thumb against middle of forefinger, oblique, upward, palm down. E—Hooked, thumb against end of forefinger, upright, edge outward. F—Hooked, thumb against side of forefinger, oblique, palm outward.
G—Fingers resting against ball of thumb, back upward. H—Arched, thumb horizontal against end of forefinger, back upward. I—Closed, except forefinger crooked against end of thumb, upright, palm outward.
J—Forefinger straight, upright, others closed, edge outward. K—Forefinger obliquely extended upward, others closed, edge outward. L—Thumb vertical, forefinger horizontal, others closed, edge outward.

Fig. 342a.

M—Forefinger horizontal, fingers and thumb closed, palm outward. N—First and second fingers straight upward and separated, remaining fingers and thumb closed, palm outward. O—Thumb, first and second fingers separated, straight upward, remaining fingers curved edge outward.
P—Fingers and thumb partially curved upward and separated, knuckles outward. Q—Fingers and thumb, separated, slightly curved, downward. R—Fingers and thumb extended straight, separated, upward.
S—Hand and fingers upright, joined, back outward. T—Hand and fingers upright, joined, palm outward. U—Fingers collected to a point, thumb resting in middle.