Sign Language Among North American Indians - Brossura

Mallery, Garrick

Brossura

ISBN 10: 0486419487 ISBN 13: 9780486419480

Casa editrice: Dover Pubns, 2003

Riassunto

Used throughout the world since earliest times as a common means of communication, sign language was particularly well developed among the Plains Indians of North America. The present study, a significant document in the history of American anthropology, was originally published in 1881 as part of the first annual report of the Bureau of American Ethnology. The author was a retired U.S. Army officer and bureau employee who was perhaps the foremost expert at that time on American Indian sign language. His exceptional knowledge of the subject produced a classic body of research data, still cited by anthropologists.
The book begins with theories and observations about the genesis and universality of sign language, as well as its use by animals, children, and uninstructed deaf-mutes. Following an account of his research and methodology and suggestion for further research, the author devotes several pages to describing and illustrating signs used for specific words — from "antelope," "trade," and "yes" to such sentences as "Who are you?" "What is your name?" and "How old are you?" Especially interesting are 40 pages or so of narratives or dialogues, most given both in sign language and in oral paraphrase. Throughout the book, clearly diagrammed illustrations indicate proper movements of body and hands for signing.
Students of linguistics and anthropology — anyone fascinated by this age-old method of communication — will welcome this inexpensive reprint of a long-unavailable treasure.

Su questo libro

Contenuti

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS INTRODUCTORY Divisions of Gesture Speech The Origin of Sign Language Some Theories upon Primitive Language History of Gesture Language Modern Use of Gesture Speech Our Indian Conditions Favorable to Sign Language Theories Entertained Respecting Indian Signs Results Sought in the Study of Sign Language Notable Points for Further Researches Mode in Which Researches Have Been Made LIST OF AUTHORITIES AND COLLABORATORS EXTRACTS FROM DICTIONARY Tribal Signs Proper Names Phrases Dialogues Narratives Discourses SIGNALS Signals Executed by Bodily Action Signals in Which Objects Are Used in Connection with Personal Action Signals Made When the Person of the Signalist is Not Visible SCHEME OF ILLUSTRATION Outlines for Arm Positions in Sign Language Types of Hand Positions in Sign Langage Examples

Product Description

Fascinating, wide-ranging study by expert on the subject describes and illustrates signs used for specific words - "antelope," "brave," "trade," "yes," - for phrases, sentences and even dialogues. Scores of diagrams show precise movements of body and hands for signing. Of great interest to students of linguistics and Native American culture.

Su questa edizione

• Editore: Dover Pubns
• Data di pubblicazione: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0486419487
• ISBN 13: 9780486419480
• Rilegatura: Copertina flessibile
• Numero di pagine: 320