Open Hand
Modern Signtalk
Primer
Complemented Cultural Communication
By
Brian Underwood
Table of Contents
Communication without an App.………………………………………………………..…...……4
Modern Signtalk Theory………………………………………………………………..…………5
Conventions of Modern Signtalk……………………………………………………...…………..6
Acquiring Modern Signtalk………………………………………………………………...……..7
Modern Signtalk and Complemented Cultures..……………………………………………….……………………………...…………11
Thoughts on Modern Signtalk………………………………………………………….………..14
How Modern Signtalk is Coded and De-coded…………………………………………………………………………………………..…15
Performing Modern Signtalk…………………………………………………………………….…………………….15
Modern Signtalk Primer………………………………………………….………………………20
Have you got Modern Signtalk? ...................................................................................................44
Final Thoughts on Modern Signtalk………………………………………………..……………45
Index………………………………………………………………………………………..……47
Communication without an App
The voices of the American West in 1840 were many--Kiowa, Comanche, Navajo, Puebloan, French trappers and Spanish traders. There were American mule skinners and Mexican arrieros hunters, explorers, adventurers, soldiers, spies, saints, sinners, slaves, free men and civilizing women. Was it a cacophony or harmony?
Modern Signtalk is based on Indian Sign Talk as it was used on the American frontier over 150 years ago. Languages with hand and body gestures had been used forever across the western plains to facilitate trade and maintain peace. The primitives, pilgrims, prophets and profit takers on the American frontier spoke many tongues and Indian Sign Talk was their universal translator.
During this time many natural wonders and much raw material were moved east and west to luxuriate and comfort civilized man. Hard goods and fine crafts brought durability and new beauty to the native folk. This time of contact and commercialism was made possible with Indian Sign Talk and it was perhaps, if even for a short while, one of the more peaceful times of cultural contact in the American West.
This Complemented Cultural interaction was made possible with Indian Sign Talk. A stable marketplace was created because of this interaction. With Indian Sign Talk there was understanding and with understanding there was peace.
Modern Signtalk Theory
In the merging of the free market nature of Indian Sign Talk with contemporary culture and folkways there is a universal translator--Modern Signtalk. Modern Signtalk is not used to trade buffalo robes and beaver pelts or steel hatchets and blue beads. Instead, it is a sign talk to trade cultural understanding, where the marketplace is a neutral space between Beings and the medium of communication is fluid gestures, tempered voice and an agreeable visage. Today cultural communication is all about the internet and social networking. It is the language of the machines--emojis and hashtags. In a world of electronic words dancing on speed-of-light communication, all we have is another level on the Tower of Babel.
For all its promise the Great Digital has yet to unite the world with its ability to transcribe, translate and transmit the sum of human knowledge. Disparate voices have become the clan, the tribe, and the new “in” group. These voices express a new culture, yelling its messages of diversity into the chaos where it meets its polar star--old voices--old culture.
The genius of the internet has failed to be the transforming medium of cultural understanding. It fails because it is all filtered through the binary of 1 or 2. Regardless of how little time has passed from one human keystroke to another human’s perception through a device, the machine gives us the message: friend or unfriend. The great cultural divide is still language. Using modern technology to translate our cultural differences will not work because it is not human. The machine may be able to translate words but it cannot give words cultural understanding.
Modern Signtalk fulfills the need for human communication across cultural divides and across language divides. Only with human contact--the movement of body, countenance of face and sound of voice--can there be true communication
Conventions of Modern Signtalk
Modern Signtalk is an easily acquired, simple to use and adaptable translation language, using upper body gestures as well as facial expressions and vocals. We live in a state of conflicting cultures where human beings refuse to accept that we are more alike than different. Cultures in conflict only yell, “My diversity is more important!!”
Modern Signtalk works on the principle of Complemented Culture. It starts from the idea that there are shared cultural experiences that can be communicated with sign, expression and voice. Once we communicate with shared traditions we will see that we are the human culture.
In order to facilitate the acceptance of Modern Signtalk as a universal translator some Conventions of Communication must be established.
Here are a few of these conventions.
Interactions--are the exchanges of signs between Signtalkers; the making of the sign and the interpretation of the sign.
Series Interactions--are the performance of a sign and series of signs that are read and replied to, to the point where there is communication.
Most sign interaction is based on a simple subject/predicate/object sentence structure.
Signs are Symbolic or A-symbolic.
Signs are made in the Neutral--the area from a sign talker’s belly to the head to just a little outside shoulder width.
Modern Signtalk is performed ambidextrously. The hands are called the Actor and the Stage. For most folk this is calibrated to your dominant hand being the Actor and the weak hand being the Stage.
Acquiring Modern Signtalk
Before you start to learn Modern Signtalk please take some time to think how you use Signtalk in your daily communications. Do you use your hands while talking? Do you use your show approval with face? I bet you do. Most people do. We jab a fist in the air to show enthusiasm and we smile at funny stories. Modern Signtalk cultivates this native communication.
Learning anything new must, I believe, begin with the simple--that is to eat, drink and be merry. The following Signtalk Graphic Interactions will show you how Modern Signtalk interactions are performed.
Here are some simple series interactions
Question I Need Eat Building Please
Interpretation--Can you help me find a restaurant please?
What Food You Like
Interpretation--What kind of food do you want?
Here All Food
Interpretation--I would like local food.
Good Eat Building Thataway
Interpretation--a good local food restaurant in that direction
What Distance
Interpretation--How far?
Short Walk West
Interpretation--A short walk west.
At The Restaurant
I Like Bread Cheese Please
Interpretation-- I would like bread and cheese please.
I Want Wine Please
Interpretation-- Also wine, please.
And be Merry
Happy Heart Go All Day
U-P Sad Heart Tired in Mile
Interpretation--A merry heart goes all the day, your sad heart tires in a mile.” Shakespeare—A Winter’s Tale
As you can see from the above series interactions the sign does not always match the exact word you need. You will learn to use cultural substitution and which signs can be combined to create the ideas you are trying to communicate.
In the above quote the sign for “happy” used for the word “merry” does not change the meaning of the quote. But if you were to sign “Sleep” (the head cocked right with Stage and Actor under the head as if sleeping) for word “tires” you may see that the “sleep” sign is perhaps too strong a sign for this quote. The signs for “need and rest” can be combined and used as “tired.” Also, Accents such as facial expression and verbal components of Signtalk will give a clearer meaning to the interaction.
You can also see that the Interpretation also does not match exact meaning of the Interaction. Modern Signtalk is bare bones, a true Skeleton Language not a true Language. It lacks the niceties of grammar, articles, pronouns, genders, tenses, diminutives, and plurals. Modern Signtalk is talk without a body is the Signtalk and fellow that adds the muscle and spirit.
Modern Signtalk and Complemented Cultures
Modern Signtalk is an easy to learn communication language for Complemented Cultures, which are diverse cultural groups that live within a community but due to language and perceived differences communication is confounded. We live in the same city, shop next to each other and pass each other on the way to church--to pray for peace in different tongues. It is in these acts, living in community, sharing in an open economy and allowing freedom of thought and expression that most all folk in most all cultures would champion as core values. The Modern Signtalk Primer below illustrates these core values with movement, sound and expression. Modern Signtalk will create Complemented Cultures with a new dialogue by communicating notions of fellowship, commerce and being.
A Primer Entry will generally have the Sign and the Complemented Language with some Cultural Content. The Signtalker is the person signing to the Fellow--which is the person reading the Sign. Next you will see the Sign Script: Players, Hand, and Shape, Direction and Accent. The script state how the Actor or Stage perform, how many fingers are used on each hand, the symbolic or asymbolic shape of the Actor or Stage, where the sign is performed relative to the Neutral and how the Actor and Stage move to perform the sign and expression and vocals that can add context to the Interaction.
Example:
Open Hand (Mano Abierta) --The Open Hand is the First sign. It is often used to start or enter into an interaction. Read my sign, Peace, I am open to you, I hold nothing back, and I hold nothing, akin to a handshake. Your accent should be friendly and open. The sign is made with Actor Four Hand Flat Up held between the belly and the breast.
Each Primer entry has a Complemented Language for building a Modern Signtalk community. The Primer below will provide vocabulary and skills which can be easily given to new folk--You need to just reach out and you will be able to grow a community of Modern Signtalkers. With a little thought and a little care and you will have a garden of new Complemented Cultural Interactions. As your vocabulary increases and accenting skills improve interactions will become thoughtful and wide-ranging.
To pass on these skills to a Complemented Beginning Signtalker you simply begin by pointing at the sign, making the sign, pointing to the Complemented Vocabulary and again making the sign. You can begin a Complemented Cultural Signtalk Interaction with the best introduction ever--a self introduction such as “My Name is Maria.” Introduce yourself with the Universal Pronoun or the U-P (four hand clenched with thumb touching chest) and then Being (one hand index finger circle your face), followed with saying your name.
Now you can convey Modern Signtalk using the Complemented Language with each entry. You would point to the U-P Sign and the Being sign. Then make these signs and say, “My name is ---fill in.” Then point to the signs in the Primer. The beginning Signtalkers will see the signs and see related words in their folk tongue. The learners work together pointing to and making signs, speaking each other’s tongues and perhaps learning the content of each other’s hearts.
Once the two communicators have established this basic interaction pattern with the skeleton structure of Signtalk, then with a little rote memory of the a-symbolic signs and the cultural understanding of the symbolic signs two folks with different tongues can be communicating with Modern Signtalk in a very short time.
As you become a confident Modern Signtalker you may begin to use your native tongue as part of your accenting. In a Complemented Cultural context this will help in language sharing. And when the reply is in a different tongue this will initiate further cultural understanding.
Thoughts on Modern Signtalk
It must be understood that Modern Signtalk in not a language with a set grammar and syntax. In his book on the Indian Sign Talk, Ernest Thompson Seton, artist, author and founder of the Boy Scouts, defines it as:
“A universal code, without apparatus for use in the Army, the Navy, Camping, hunting and everyday use.”
This is a good definition for Modern Signtalk in that it requires no electronic device or program only or being to code then de-code. Modern Signtalk has a Convention of Communication to create a standard of sign performance and meaning for this universal translation code.
How Modern Signtalk is Coded and De-coded
Modern Signtalk is not a code for a word but a code for an idea. As an example with the earlier sign “Being” used as an introduction, it also holds the idea or sense, “I am a rightful human being and part of the large experience of life.”
All Modern Signtalk gestures have implied meaning but meaning is often inferred from context and circumstance. These signs are composed in a way that have context across cultures. Modern Signtalk is based the Indian Sign Talk used on the American frontier. The two most influential sources for this work are the Dover Publications reprint of the 1931 edition of Indian Sign Language by William Tomkins and the Microsoft Digitized 1918 edition of Sign Talk by Ernest Thompson Seton.
The old signs are left in place when they fill a need, some signs have been adapted to modern usage, and others are newly composed for visual reasons or when they proved more relevant symbols for modern times and cultural context. New signs were also needed for ideas that did not exist in the 1800s.
Performing Modern Signtalk
The term performing is used because you are in a sense performing a play with your hands. Modern Signtalk can be performed ambidextrously. Your Weak Side Hand is the Stage; the Strong Side Hand is the Actor; the area in front of your body is the Neutral. The area where the fingertips of both Signtalkers would touch is the Area of Contact. Most signs are performed in the neutral area and from the head to the waist.
Players--Actor or Stage
Hand--This term means simply how many and what fingers are used in the sign. Fingers are referred to as --Index, Mid, Ring, Little and Thumb.
One Hand--The index finger as if pointing
Two Hand-- The index finger and the middle finger
Three Hand-- The index middle and ring finger
Four hand-- All fingers as if in a salute
Positions
Up-- palm up
Down-- palm down
Out--palm to fellow
In--palm to Modern Sign Talker
To Actor--Palm to Actor Side
To Stage--Palm to stage side
Shape
Pinched--all fingers touching and tips squeezed together
Bunched-- hand held if holding a ball
Flat--hand held opened
Hold - - hand is held as if holding a cylinder. The index and the thumb will touch.
Half Hold -- hand is held as if holding a large cylinder. The index and the thumb will be apart, the hand forms a half circle shape.
Clenched--hand held tight as if clasping a coin.
Direction
This is a short narrative of where the hands are place at the start of the performance and how the hands and arms move through sign and a note on accents and symbol in the performance.
Accenting
Using facial expression, voice and vocal to highlight and add context to a sign. The eyes, the lips and flexing facial muscles combined with your voice to mimic sign sounds that are identifiable--such as an animal or a motor car. Head nods, smiles, looks of surprise, a furrowed brow combined with small sounds oh, yaws, yeas and nays can both narrow the interaction or add complexity. Once a Modern Signtalker becomes practiced adding a folk tongue into the interaction will add language sharing and further cultural understanding.
In the Primer you will find entries with two or more signs described. This is because many signs share similar ideas such as, “I want” or “I like” or opposite meaning such as the ideas of yes and no. So the signs are performed in similar fashion therefore learning these signs at the same time will aid in sign acquisition.
Modern Signtalk Primer
This Primer can be viewed as a graphic user’s manual for Modern Signtalk. With these entries you will see how Modern Signtalk works and how the signs work together to convey ideas to cross language barriers. When you finish this section you will see how Modern Signtalk not only conveys a message as a single sign but also how signs interact in symbiosis to create meaning.
The following images and discussion introduces you to over 150 signs and concepts that most folks will use throughout their day--regardless of culture. These signs, although made from common words, can be used to communicate concepts of community, being and commerce. This primer has a Complemented Language which is Spanish.
Open Hand (Mano Abierta) -- The Open Hand is the First Sign. It is often used to start or enter into an interaction. Read my sign, Peace, I am open to you, I hold nothing back, and I hold nothing-- a kind of a handshake. . Actor Four Hand Flat Up. Hand held between the belly and the breast Your accent should be friendly and.
Question (Pregunta) Statement (Declaracion) -- May I ask you something? I have something to say. This sign is used throughout an interaction to ask questions for clarification, soliciting opinions and ideas. This helps to get an understanding of someone’s likes in the way of food or drink or what would make them happy. It is also used to enter into an ongoing interaction.
Question--Actor Four Hand Open. Hand at shoulder finger tips up. Move hand with a slight twisting at the wrist. Increase this movement to show urgency or importance of your question.
Statement-- Actor Four Hand Clenching. Hand at shoulder with slight twisting at wrist. Also use during an interaction to indicate your responses to a question or to inform others that you wish to interject an idea into an interaction.
Modern Signtalk (Modern/Conversacion Firmar)-- Used to ask if a fellow can Signtalk but it also holds the sense of communicating or being able to communicate. Actor and Stage Four Hand Down. Stage and Actor Four Hand Down Flat. Hands held out at belly with slight curve fingers. Actor moves to tap top of Stage, Stage then taps top Actor followed by Actor tapping top of Stage. There is a principle of Modern Signtalk--with communication comes understanding followed by peace.
The Universal Pronoun or U-P (Pronombre Universal) --As with a pronoun it is used to keep from repeating the person’s name or the noun. It means whomever or whatever you are pointing to--he, her, she, him, me, theirs, mine, they, them, it. Pointing at an object, this sign would stand-in for it or that or those. If a Modern Signtalker is pointing at a fellow Signtalker it would mean you, your, yours. There is gender neutrality in this sign that is important in modern communication. In general the U-P represents the subject of the Interaction Series. Actor Clenched with the thumb pointed over the top. Use your thumb to point at the antecedent. The U-P is used with other signs such as with Question sign and pointing to ask who or what is that?
The Emphatic (El Enfatico) -- Used to add importance or stress to the subject of the interaction. The harder the palm hits the more emphatic. Actor Four Hand Clenched with Stage Four Hand Flat. This sign is made with Actor hitting palm of Stage.
Folk (Gente) -- The people of a community. Members of a cultural group. All the People of the World. Actor Four Hand pinched with Stage Four Hand encircles Actor pinched Four Hand.
Like (Gustar)--I would like some. I like this. Do you like this? Indicates a desire for, a fondness of. Like is one of the signs that show need or want. Actor Four Hand Flat Up. Hand starts in the neutral. Hand moves to the heart for a time before the next sign. The Like sign is related to signs that show a desire as with these signs.
Want (Neccesidad) -- Actor Four Hand held at heart. Hand moves out into the neutral with Hand up Bunched. Love (Amor) -- Actor Four Hand held at heart and patting it several times before the next sign.
Please (Por Favor)/Thank You (Gracias)--The magic words. Please aid me. Yes, please. I would like that. A polite way of receiving a gift.
Please--Actor Four Hand Flat. Hand touches below the lips then moves down from the lips to between the chest and waist.
Thank You--Actor Four Hand Flat. Hand moves to touch below the lips then moves up from the lips to eye level.
Time (Tiempo) -- When asking the time of day, when showing present conditions, setting appointments, giving timelines of past or future events. Asking for starting or end times. Time is an idea that can differ in many cultures let alone within cultures and communities and families. We all have a sister who is always late and the demanding uncle who is always ten minutes early. In using Modern Signtalk a fellow understands this must be taken into your thinking when in an interaction.
Nighttime (Noche), Daytime (Tiempo de Dia), Day (Dia), Month (Mes), Year (Ano) and Hours (Hora). Symbolizing night and day and the hours as they passed or will come to be.
Time--Actor Two Hand Flat Hand taps at wrist like tapping wrist watch on Stage Four Hand Down Flat.
Time of day (Hor del Dia) is signed by tapping wrist showing either day sign or night sign to indicate a.m. or p.m. and signing one through twelve. For using a 24 hour clock, Actor Four Hand taps wrist and then make a sign for one through 24. (See Numbers)
Day--Stage arm at the belly Parallel to ground, elbow of the Actor in the Stage palm. Actor Four Hand Hold forms a circle with small space between the thumb and index the other fingers spread out like rays of sunlight. Sign at shoulder indicates morning, moving to the half way point between and the Stage elbow is noontime then lowering the Actor to the elbow to show afternoon. Night--Actor Four Hand Half Hold forming a crescent moon symbol. The sign movement is the same as day – meaning night, midnight and early morning. One Day (Un Dia) -- shown by a complete movement of the Actor from the Actor shoulder to the past Stage shoulder. Sign number indicates how many days. One Week (Una Semana) -- Make Full Day Sign then end by pivoting the sign out with a parallel arm into the neutral. One month (Una Mes ) --Actor Half Hold Stage Clenched Down held near Chest Actor Circles the Stage Once, like the moon circling the earth once in thirty days or so. A Year (Ano) -- Actor Four Hand Hold forms a circle with small space between the thumb and index finger spread. Stage One Hand circles the Actor like the 365 day revolution of the earth around the sun. Exact Date (Fecha Exacta)--can be shown by signing with the year sign and then use the number sign for the date.
Here again the idea of time and how your fellow perceives it may be different than yours. If you are in a hurry there maybe a tendency to scowl, always try to keep a pleasant demeanor. A light emphatic and a look of concern will tell your fellow that their laid back ways are not needed at this time, or you may consider that today is a nice day to just sign visit with a new friend. Einstein showed us that Time is Relative.
Anatomy (Anatomia) --Anatomy is anatomy in all cultures--a nose by any other name can still smell a sweet rose. However, think of how a body part has a cultural meaning beyond its biomechanical function. The Heart (Corazon) is the best example. We ascribe love, courage, one’s kindness and sadness to the muscled powered pump. A heart can be a sweet, a heart can be broken. Use the U-P to indicate the body part.
The most critical need for this sign would be in medical situations. If you have pain indicate the area of hurt and grimace or if you have the awful gut and stomach problems (Problemas Estomacales) rub your belly back and forth and moan. The emphatic again can be used to indicate how ill you are, or just moan louder. A Headache (Dolor de Cabeza) can be shown by Actor Four Hand rubbing forehead with a grimace and moan.
Talk (Hablar)/Speak (Hablar) Listen (Escucha) Relaying information or receiving with voice or sound. Talk and Speak are used here with the sense that Talk is a two way conversation as in “Let’s Talk” and speak is used for the idea that one fellow speaks and the other fellow listens.
Talk (Hablar) -- Actor Two Hand In. Hand held near mouth move fingers in direction of your fellow move hand back and forth showing a two way movement.
Speak (Hablar) -- Actor One Hand Up. Index to fellow. Hold back of Actor near mouth move forward with fingers pointing to the fellow.
Listen (Escucha) -- Actor Four Hand In. Actor held in the neutral the actor moves in with fingertips touch the ear as if you are pulling sound to his ear. To show--I listen or I hear. These signs would seem to be unnecessary with a silent communication but they can best be used for the purpose of Modern Signtalk to help the flow of the interaction.
Truth (Verdad)--Honesty, reality, simply a sign meaning what I sign is what I believe to be true or in all honesty. Actor Three Hand In. Fingers held straight up thumb touching the little finger. Start with finger pads near lips move hand out while turning palm outward. The similarity between this sign and that of the Boy Scouts is not an accident.
Good (Bueno)/Bad (Malo) -- I like this, it is right, I agree, or I do not…… Used with the idea of the quality of something or as in the opposing of good with bad. Perhaps these two signs can be used to illustrate one aspect of Modern Signtalk and that is of Respect of Beings. These words confer strong value judgment. Using these signs to describe inanimate objects is one thing but to use these signs to assign positive or negative nature on a fellow or folk is another.
Some ideas can be signed in more than one way. Good can be signed with the traditional Actor Four Hand Down. Hand at the belly. The Actor moves in a flat arc ended straight out in the Neutral. Then there is the most universal sign for good the thumbs up. Actor Clenched. Hand Thumbs up and the OK sign Actor Four Hand. Thumb and Index finger forming an O and the other fingers forming a “k” like sign. Bad can be Actor Four Hand Clenched. Thumb down or, the pinched nose or the traditional Actor Four Hand Clenched. Actor held at chest and then moves to the neutral and opens as if throwing something away.
All (Todas) --Complete, everything, all that is here and can be seen. Actor Four Hand Down. Fingers spread hand held at belly. Make a flat circular motion with the hand as if encompassing everything, encircling all that is all.
Fellow (Companero) --A being of like mind, an agreeable acquaintance, a being you admire, a being belonging to the same social organization or religion or just a person, and a Modern Signtalker. In Modern Signtalk “Fellow” is a non-gendered noun. Actor and Stage Four Hand Bunched In. Hands softly pat the chest with thumb and index finger touching at the collar bones and shoulders.
Distance (Distancia) -- How far in miles, kilometers or city blocks. The idea of how far away something or a place is. Actor and Stage Four Hand Down flat . Stage moves into the Neutral followed by bringing the Actor index move to the wrist followed by the Actor moving up and forward to have Stage Index touching Actor wrist. Add a sense of time to this sign by using Long or Short and then use the Time sign.
Short (Corto)/Tall (Alto) Long (Largo)--In most languages words have synonyms and antonyms-- thus the reason for a Thesaurus because context can create a different meaning or sense of a word. It is what a linguist would call Connotation and Denotation. Likewise signs can have multiple ideas or senses. Short can be used as in the size of a fellow or how much time an event takes. A road can be long as well as the time on that road can be shortened with more speed. A Fellow can be tall, mountains and tales can be tall. You can get a short shrift and you can get a good long talking to. All these signs are used for the sense of relative lengths, whether time or distance or span or size. The Primer may give you the definition, however it is the culture and how your sign is understood in culture influences how sign is understood. As you use Modern Signtalk always consider that culture ultimately controls the success of an interaction.
Tall--Actor Four Hand Down Flat, Hand move a little ways above head to show that the subject of your interaction is above you in height or tall. Small--is shown with Actor Four Hand Flat Down moves at shoulder height show something is shorter.
Short--Stage Four Hand To Actor Flat. Actor Four Hand. Actor taps finger tips of Stage then moves Actor in and taps at knuckle to indicate short.
Long-- Stage Four Hand Flat To Actor. Actor taps finger tips of Stage then moves Actor to elbow and taps to show long.
Thataway (Eselejos) --A simple sign to indicate a direction in which to proceed or the direction of movement of a thing or person. Actor One Hand use Actor and arm to point in the direction in question or statement. As in “He went that away.”
Walk (Caminar)/Run (Correr) --Perambulate. Walk down the road, I am going for a walk or a run. Actor and Stage Four Hand Down Flat. Hands mime a walking like movement. Perform Run just like walk but faster.
Building (Edificio) --Something that is built, a construction other than a home. A place of business.
Building --Actor and Stage Four Hand In. Start the sign by forming a box shape with hands. fingers facing in overlap. Complete the sign by opening the Mid, Ring and Little inward like opening the building’s front doors.
If we go back to a previous entry you will can see that the signs eat and building can be combined to create the sign eat+building or the idea of a building where you go to eat or a Restaurant (Restaurante).
Other Buildings
Home or House (Casa) -- Actor and Stage Four Hand as you performed with Building but instead of opening finger turn sign to have Stage and Actor One Hand forming a triangle indicating a peaked roof. A Home with flat roofed, use the Stage side Building sign with the Actor Four Hand Flat on top of Stage. Church (Iglesia) --Actor and Stage One Hand Index fingers pointing up and touching at tips, thumbs aligned pointing up forming a steeple and doors. Mid, Ring and Little fingers are intertwined and inside hands. Finish the sign by opening the doors and turning hands over to wiggling fingers and show all the people at prayer.
Eat (Comer), eating, I ate, eat it, that fellow ate it all. Eating food is probably the most common cultural attribute. Eating, what we eat and how much we eat will always be a subject of gossip and with Modern Signtalk you will be able to gossip with Complemented Cultures.
Eat -- Actor Four Hand Pinched. Actor moves to mouth making a few taps on the lips as if eating popcorn.
Food-- Actor Four Hand Pinched. Actor fingers touch below the mouth at the chin.
Food is one the most singular substances in our lives. Across the earth food is so diverse but unlike other culture differences food brings us together. If you think about it, you most often interact with different folk in the process of getting food.
Bread (Pan de Molde) --Stage and Actor Four Hand Down Half Hold. Stage and Actor touch at fingers and thumbs. Move Stage and Actor apart then turn down make loaf shape. The distance hands part before turn indicates size of loaf.
Flatbread (Tortilla) -- Stage Up and Actor Down Four. Hands at chest pat hands together and cross back and forth then make bread sign.
Cheese (Queso) -- Stage and Actor Four Hand Up Half Hand Thumbs and Index aligned. In a rolling motion move the hands up and back to start to form a cheese wheel shape.
Beef Meat (Carne de Vaca) --Actor One Hand. Hold Thumb with Index up to Actor Ear. Form a curved horn of beef cattle. Then with Stage and Actor One Hand Half Hold move sign to have thumb and Index touch make an oval shape of a cut of beef steak.
Chicken (Pollo)--See Page 31
Fish (Pescado) -- See Page 31
Vegetables (Vegetales)--Use Sign for eat + plant
Fruit (Frusta)--Actor Four Hand Bunched up mime eating apple like fruit
Drink (BeBer)--Actor Four Hand Up. With hand at chest take hand to mouth as if scooping water from a stream. This Sign as with many signs is used of course as a verb as in--please drink some sweet tea. And in the context of food and eating it or a variation is often used with the Please and Question sign to get your favorite beverage.
Glass of Water (Vaso de Aqua) -- Actor Four Hand Hold. As if holding a glass of water, follow with a drinking like movement near mouth. All cultures do not use the same drinking vessel so; Modern Signtalk takes some stereotypical images which translate well into symbolic signs.
Wine (Vino) -- Actor Four Hand as if holding stemmed wine glass. Tip to mouth.
Beer (Cerveza)--Actor Four Hand Clenched as if holding a beer mug the thumb can be used to mime opening the silver cap of a German Beer Stein as you mime taking a guzzle of beer.
Coffee (Café) -- Actor Three Hand Clenched as if holding coffee mug. Tip to Lips
Tea (Te) -- Actor Two Hand fingertips and thumb together as if holding a delicate English Tea Cup. Tip to Lips.
Soda Drink (Bebida de Soda)--Actor Four Hand Hold. Like Water Glass sign except after you take the Actor to Mouth Return to start the with Stage Four Bunched Up Move stage up and down through the Actor like soda bubbles then return Actor to lips.
Taste (Gusto)--The taste of food in the mouth.. Sweet or sour. A small bite of food. Food is a very unifying cultural element. The need to not only eat but eat food with taste has always brought us together. Being able to use the idea of taste and relate it to food signs will give sensuality to interactions about your gastronomic experiences, which will strengthen cultural bonds between fellows. Actor One Hand Bring Index and thumb to mouth with the tip of the tongue slightly out. Here is a good sign to use with expression accenting. We all know a puckered face caused by lemonade or the satisfying mmmmmm of some home baked sweet treat and lip smacking sounds of someone savoring fire seared meat.
Numbers (Numerous) -- Being able to count and use symbols to keep tallies is a central human trait and necessary to economic activity. Actor held a little below shoulder. Start with a close hand back of hand facing out.
One (uno)--One Hand
Two (dos)--two hand
Three (tres)--three Hand
Four (cuatro)--Four Hand
Five (Cinco)--four hand and thumb
Six (Seis)--knuckles out Clenched
Seven (Siete)--Palm In Little
Eight (Ocho)--Palm In Little, Ring
Nine (Nueve)--Palm In Little, Ring, Little
Ten (Diez)- -Palm In Little, Ring, Mid, Index and thumb Four hand
Zero (Cero)--Four Hand Hold, Little Out
By using Stage paired with the Actor it is possible to make signs up to a thousand, but after ten it would be more efficient to write number. Also numbers larger than ten can be indicated by signing one number then the next. As in signing Two then Four for Twenty-Four. Modern Signtalk incorporates numbers in the calendar and time telling.
Being (Siendo) -- The idea of Being -- I am a rightful Individual. There is here a social contract that is if Beings recognizes their rightfulness then it must needs be that all Beings are rightful. U-P Circles the face.
Other Beings -- In Modern Signtalk it is recognized that all living creatures are Beings. Here are some signs to show some of the diversity of life. Animals in all cultures to some degree are both loved and abused. It is important to have this understanding. Modern Signtalk should be used to communicate for the good treatment and respect of all the world’s beings.
Other Beings (Otro Seres)--One Hand circle half of your face like the Being sign then move to the animals sign.
Dog (Perro) -- Actor Two Hand held at ears accents with small “Bark--Bark”
Cat (Gato) -- Actor Three Hand fingers spread held and corners of mouth then pull fingers away making whisker symbol. Accent with “Meow-- Meow”
Bird (Pajato) -- Stage and Actor Four Hand hands fingers spread held chest high thumbs up and held together. Make flapping movement with hands accents with bird call. Or “Chirp--Chirp”
Fish (Pescado)--Actor Four Hand Out. Fingers together held at waist. Move hand out mime swimming fish.
Chicken (Pollo)--Actor One Hand Pinched. Stage Four Hand Flat Up Out. Tap Stage with Actor like chicken pecking food on the ground.
Horse (Caballo)--Mime riding a horse. Stage and Actor Four Hand Clenched. Hands mime holding reins.
Weather (Clima)--Everyone talks about the weather but no one ever does anything about it. The day’s weather conditions are important information to know and to give or at least be able to hold forth. The sign for weather make-- the Question or Statement sign and then Sky (Cielo) --Actor Four Hand Out fingers spread start at Stage shoulder and move Actor out and up transcribe the sky. Accent with eyes looking skyward follows with appropriate sign for the weather conditions.
Sunny (Soleado)--Sun Sign is also used for time and calendar. Actor Four Hand Hold Palm to Stage. The hand is held at shoulder with a circle made with the thumb and index space between Index and Thumb. Mid, Ring, Little spread out like rays of sunlight. Twist at wrist.
Rain (Lluvia)--Actor Four Hand Down. With fingers spread out start hands at eye level lower hands to chest while rolling finger up and down like rain drops. This sign can be performed with both Stage and Actor or with either hand singularly.
Snow (Nieve) -- Actor Four Hand Down. With fingers spread out start hands at eye level lower hands to chest while slowly swinging hands and rolling finger up and down like falling snow. This sign can be performed with both Stage and Actor or with either hand singularly.
Clouds (Nubes)--Stage and Actor Four Hand Half Hold Down. Thumbs and index finger touch pull hand slightly apart while turning palms inward. Then turn Half Hold down and then repeat turn palm back to face each other with hands a little further apart. Repeat move again with more separation between hands. If you can imagine round bulbous cloud shapes building as your hands lower forming semi-circle shapes.
Wind (Viento) -- Actor Four Hand Clenched Out. Hand at shoulder move hand out into neutral spread finger. Accent with a windy sound.
Hot (Caliente) -- Actor Four Hand Up. Hold hand over eye as if shielding your face from the hot sun. Accent with sound of distress and wipe sweat from forehead.
Cold (Frio)--Cross arms at chest hug yourself tight and shiver. Accent with “brrr” sound.
Health (Salud)/Medical (Medico)--Relating your health needs or trying to help someone get medical attention maybe a life saving interaction. Modern Signtalk will give you the skills needed to communicate medical and emergency needs in a cross-cultural interaction.
Health (Salud)--Stage and Actor Four Hand Clenched. Hold your arms stretched out and bent up at elbows. This pose is the strong man pose. If your health is good circle your heart if it is poor show sign for bad or no. Frowns and smiles can also accent your health status. Can be performed with either Actor or Stage or both.
Illness (Enfermedad)--Actor Four Hand In. Rub Forehead and then indicate area of the problem. If you have an Upset Stomach (Estomago Enfermo) rub forehead then rub belly. A grimace or moan can accent the sign. For a Fever (Fiebre) make the illness sign and then do sign for Hot then touch your fevered brow again.
Pain (Dolor)--Actor Four Hand. Rub your Stage shoulder with Actor and then by rubbing the area of pain the body part that hurts. Again accent with a grimace or moan.
Medical Help (Ayuda Medica). Actor Two Hand makes a V with Index and thumb and Mid centered behind the V. Then place the V in the crook of your Stage arm and simulate giving an injection. You can indicate the severity of your difficulty by the Emphatic. Also the Emergency (Emergencia) sign, Stage and Actor Out held near shoulders. Open and Close Four Hands like flashing lights.
Plants (Plantas)--The idea of plants covers many green and colorful living things. Here are a few simple plant signs.
Plant (Planta) -- Stage Four Hand Hold Actor Pinched. Bring Actor Four Hand Pinched up through the bottom of the Stage spreading fingers as hand moves up through the Stage like spreading leaves.
Weed (Hierba) -- Make the Plant sign followed with Bad sign.
Tree (Arbol) -- Stage Four Hand Out Fingers spread like tree branches. Hold Stage at Eye level. Actor One Hand Thumb and Index circles arm with arm parallel at elbow symbolizing a Tree Trunk and the earth-- wiggle stage finger like tree branch in the wind.
Flowers (Flores) --Stage and Actor Four Hand Bunched Up. Hold Hands under nose in a tight bunched. Accent by breathing in with a pleased look.
Compass Directions (Direccion de la Brujula) -- Communicating where you are on the landscape and being able to relate location and movement of direction are important skills. Actor One Hand points to:
North (Norte)--Nose
South (Sur)--Chin
West (Oeste)--Left Ear
East (Este)--Right Ear
You can see that with north being your nose like a rose on a map that north would be the top of the map with south at the bottom and the left side of the map would be west and the right side east. To sign inter point compass directions tap the compass point twice. For Southwest you would tap your chin twice and then your left ear twice.
Come (Veni r)Go (Ir) -- Asking someone to come to you or leave you can be perceived as an order and perhaps taken the wrong way. Modern Signtalk should be used to make polite requests of mutual benefit.
Come--Actor One Hand In. With the one hand finger point up and slightly curved in bend your wrist toward your breast few times while looking at the individual of your request.
Go-- Actor Four Hand Out. Actor starts low at side. Move Actor forward and up as if moving someone along and again while looking at subject.
Regardless of the above discussion about courtesy it may be necessary to get someone to move quickly--always remember the emphatic and accents with looks of concern to give an interaction some urgency.
Happy (Felis)Sad (Triste) --Expressing your emotions and understanding the feelings of others is integral to Modern Signtalk, however, interactions should be not be fraught with emotion. Happy--Actor One Hand In, hand held at chin below lips finger and thumb up like a smile.
Sad--Actor One Hand Out, Hand held at chin, finger and thumb pointing down like frown.
More (Mas)/ Less (Menos)--More love, more care, more mindfulness and less hate, less worry, and unkindness.
More--Stage and Actor Four Hand chest high pinched and touching at finger tips move hand apart and open up pinched finger—like something expanding into something more.
Less--Stage and Actor Four Hand Across Palm Facing Finger Spread. Move hands together while forming pinched fingers and let finger tips touch like something contracting to less volume.
Work (Trabajo) -- Work is where you go to make a living. Actor and Four Hand Clenched Parallel at hips. Move arms back and forth like piston in a machine. The specific kind of work can be mimed. Sawing wood-- Actor Four Hand mimes sawing motion on Stage Thumb three times tor hammering Stage Four Hand Down Actor mimes hammering motion back of Stage.
Yes (Si)/No (No)--Signs for yes and no are many. Head Shakes and Nods, Thumbs up/thumbs down, smiles and frowns. Modern Signtalk uses the antecedent from Indian Sign Talk.
Yes--Actor One Hand Up Parallel. Turn Actor over and point to the earth.
No--Actor Four Hand Flat Out Up. Turn Actor palm down.
SamesSame (MismoMismo)--A term meaning equal to or I want that also. Stage and Actor Four Hand Out Up. Move hands up and down slightly as if judging the weight of an object.
Time and Space (Tiempo y Espacio)--There is “in the now” sense to Modern Signtalk in that interactions happen between two people standing by each other. But communication systems must relay ideas of movement through time as well as in space.
Before (Antes) After (Despues) -- To give a clearer sense of the timing of an event. Stage and Actor Four Hand Out Flat Down. Actor crosses hand over Stage wrist to indicate After and Actor Cross Stage Finger Tips to show Before.
Up (Arriba)/Down (Abajo)--The simplest sign for a direction or place is of course to just point but in Modern Signtalk add a few small circling motions with Actor One Hand Index point, just to be fancy, And look up or down as an accent.
Here (Aqui) --At this spot, local, come to this spot. There is an immediacy with Signtalk that in general almost all interactions will be about the “here” about what is happening right then at that location. Locations--the land-- whether City Street or farm field will have the most effect on cultural context. Four Hand palm down hand bunched. Move the hand up and down as if fingers are pointing to the ground.
Under (DeBajo)/Over (Encuma)/Around(Alredesor)--Hold the Four Hand Stage in a loose clench palm parallel to ground with Actor Four Hand over the top of Stage for Over, below the stage for Under or move hand around the Stage to sign Around. Really quite simple.
In (En)/ Out (Fuera)--Go into or out of, Put something in a container or to remove something, to enter, to leave. To be in someplace or out of a room.
In (En)--Stage One Hand Half Hold Actor One Hand Pointing moves through Stage.
Out (Fuera) -- Stage Four Hand Half Hold Actor Four Hand Bunched Down Actor moves up through the Stage and Clenches as if pulling something out of Stage.
Viewing the World (Viendo el Mundo) -- A hope of Modern Signtalk, as has been stated before, is to create Complemented Cultural Communication. The following signs will allow a fellow to relay their comprehension of the two way flow of a cultural connection.
See (Ver) look (Mira) -- Look and see are used in the sense of take that action, looking or seeing asking someone to look at something or if they see something or to consider some idea or understand an opinion.
Look (Mira)--Actor Two Hand fingers at slight V hold back of hand at bridge of nose finger at eyes move hand out in direction. To articulate idea of you looking at something or in a direction and please consider my opinion.
See (Vir) -- Actor Two Hand Fingers in slight V point to object twice and then point to your eyes twice. To indicate that you do see an object or understand an idea.
Speak (Decir) -- Speak here is used in the sense of just one fellow speaking while others listen. Actor Four Hand Flat Across move hand from mouth out towards fellow
Talk (Hablar) -- Talk is used in the sense of a two way communication. Actor Four Hand move hand from mouth toward speaker then back to mouth then back to fellow indicating back and forth. Repeat twice.
Listen (Escucha)/Hear (Saber)--Listen is used in the sense of request please listen. Hear is used to show that you understand or at least hear your fellow
Listen-- Actor Four Out. Actor at eye level open hand pointing to fellow move hand to ear and tap twice.
Hear--Actor is cupped around back of ear with a yes nod, affirmative sound or yes sign can show agreement.
Think (Pensar)/Thinking (pensando)--Think as in-- to think about some thing. Actor One Hand Touches forehead. Thinking as in I am considering a discussion point. Actor Two Hand Tap the forehead a few times quickly. Accent with look of concentration.
Teach (Ensenar) Learn (Aprender) --To be able to give knowledge and accept new ideas, to be the mentor and the student is the goal of all Modern Signtalk Fellows. Teach--Actor Three Hand touches forehead and moves hand three times into the neutral finger tips toward forehead of fellow to show a two way movement of knowledge or teaching. Learn--Actor Four Hand move from the neutral where finger tips point to forehead and tap forehead three times to show that the knowledge has been passed on.
Money (Moneda)--Being able to participate in a culture’s economy is important to a Fellow’s success. Here are two Signs that enable you take part in great enterprise. Money--This is used with the understanding that it notes the currency of your location if in the United States it would be dollars if in Mexico it would be the Peso. Using money signs with signs like Question, samesame, numbers, more/less, time and work will give Modern Signtalkers access to a free market where all beings can participate.
Currency (Dinero) -- Paper money or cash Stage Four Hand Flat Up Actor Four Hand Flat Down. Actor moves to wipe the palm of the Stage. As if counting paper money.
Coins (Monedas)--Actor mimes stacking coins in the palm of the Stage.
Have you got Modern Signtalk?
Now that you have an understanding of the Primer and Signtalk performance it is time to test your Signtalk Skills.
Find signs in the Primer that will communicate the following ideas.
Hungry
Injury
Find entries in the Primer that you would use in an interaction to express.
How can I help you?
Use the Primer to perform this interaction
I saw a sky filled with birds and clouds.
Think of something very central to your culture and find signs in the Primer to reveal this part of your Being.
A fellow should have some goal in being a Modern Signtalker. Please, with at least three sentences, state what you hope to achieve by acquiring Modern Signtalk. And then perform the paragraph.
Some Final Thoughts on Modern Signtalk
What Modern Signtalk is not: It is not a communication to be used in the dark. By its very nature it must be in the light--open and honest.
Across the wide world it is possible that a given sign may be hurtful to a cultural sensitivity but be aware that there is nothing in Modern Signtalk that can be meant to be derisive or hurtful. Modern Signtalk has no signs that are angry or aggressive. No hurt can be taken because no hurt can be made.
I also wonder how well the Modern Signtalk can communicate deeper ideas such as folkways, what it means to be a good neighbor or how will it communicate art and science. You must understand that Modern Signtalk is a singular form of communication and if you have completed this small book then you and the author are perhaps the only folk that can use Modern Signtalk. If that be true I hope that as a Fellow you will convey Modern Signtalk to a Complemented Culture. Modern Signtalk is a new dialogue where freedom of thought, the desire for peace and the ability to care for ourselves are the symbols that folk express.
BE COMMUNICATE PEACE
Brian Underwood
Alamosa, Colorado
2017
panish Language Resource:
Living Language Common Usage Dictionary
English -Spanish
Spanish-English
Crown Publishers Inc., New York
1985
Colloquial Spanish
William Robert Patterson
Poutledge & Kegan Paul LTD
1963
Mexican Spanish
Rafael & Cecilia Carmona
Lonely Planet
2003
Index
All (Todas)--27
Anatomy (Anatomia)--25
Beef Meat (Carne de Vaca)--31
Beer (Cerveza)--32
Before (Antes)/After (Despues)--32
Being (Siendo)--31
Bird (Pajato)--34
Bread (Pan de Molde)--30
Building (Edifcio)--29
Cat (Gato)--34
Cheese (Queso)--31
Chicken (Pollo)--34
Church (Iglesia)--30
Clouds (Nubes)--35
Coffee (Café)--32
Coins (Monedas)--35
Cold (Frio)--36
Come (Venir)/Go (ir) Go--38
Compass Directions (Direccion de la Brujula)--38
Currency (Dinero)--44
Distance (Distancia)--27
Dog (Perro)--34
Drink (BeBer)--24
East (Este)--38
Eat (Comer)--30
Eight (Ocho)--33
Emergency (Emergencia)--29
The Emphatic (El Enfatico)--22
Fellow (Comoanero)--27
Fish (Pescado)--34
Five (Cinco)--33
Flatbread (Tortilla)--23
Flowers (Flores)--30
Folk (Gente)--22
Four (cuatro)--33
Fruit (Frusta)--24
Glass of Water (Vaso de Aqua)--31
Good (Bueno)/Bad (Malo)--26
Happy (Felis)/ Sad (Triste)--39
Headache (Dolor de Cabeza)--25
Health (Salud)/Medical (Medico)--36
Health (Salud)--36
Here (Aqui)--41
Home or House (Casa)--29
Horse (Caballo)--27
Hot (Caliente)--36
Illness (Enfermedad)--29
In (En)/ Out (Fuera)--41
Like (Gustar)--23
Listen (Escucha)/Hear (Saber)--43
Love (Amor)--23
Medical Help (Ayuda Medica)--37
Money (Moneda)--43
More (Mas)/ Less (Menos)--31
Nighttime (Noche), Daytime (Tiempo de Dia), Day (Dia), Month (Mes), Year (Ano), Hour (Hora)--24
Nine (Nueve)--33
North (Norte)--38
Numbers (Numerous)--32
One (uno)--33
Open Hand (Mano Abierta)--21
Other Beings (Otro Seres)--34
Pain (Dolor)--37
Plant (Planta)--37
Please (Por Favor)/Thank You (Gracias)--23
Question (Pregunta)/Statement (Declaracion)--21
SamesSame (MismoMismo)--40
See (Ver)/look (Mira)--34
Seven (Siete)--33
Short (Corto)/Tall (Alto)/Long (Largo)--28
Signtalk (Conversacion Firmar)--22
Six (Seis)--33
Sky (Cielo)--35
Soda Drink (Bebida de Soda)--25
South (Sur)--38
Speak (Decir)--42
Stomach problems (Problemas Estomacales)--25
Sunny (Soleado)--35
Talk (Hablar)/Speak (Hablar) Listen (Escucha)--26
Talk (Hablar)--26
Taste (Gusto)--32
Tea (Te)--32
Teach (Ensenar)/Learn (Aprender)--43
Ten (Diez)--33
Thataway (Eselejos)--29
Think (Pensar)/Thinking (pensando)--43
Three (tres)--33
Time (Hora)--23
Time and Space (Tiempo y Espacio)--40
Time of day (Hor del Dia)--24
Tree (Arbol)--37
Truth--(Verdad)--26
Two (dos)--33
Under (DeBajo)/Over (Encuma)/Around (Alredesor)--41
The Universal Pronoun or U-P (Pronombre Universal)--22
Up (Arriba)/Down (Abajo)--41
Vegetables (Vegetales)--31
Viewing the World (Viendo el Mundo)--42
Walk (Caminar)/Run (Correr)--29
Want (Queerer)--23
Weather (Clima)--35
Weed (Hierba)--37
West (Oeste)--38
Wind (Viento)--36
Wine (Vino)--32
Work (Trabajo)--40
Yes (Si)/ No (No)--32
Zero (Cero)--33
Modern Signtalk
Primer
By
Brian Underwood
Table of Contents
Communication without an App.………………………………………………………..…...……4
Modern Signtalk Theory………………………………………………………………..…………5
Conventions of Modern Signtalk……………………………………………………...…………..6
Acquiring Modern Signtalk………………………………………………………………...……..7
Modern Signtalk and Complemented Cultures..……………………………………………….……………………………...…………11
Thoughts on Modern Signtalk………………………………………………………….………..14
How Modern Signtalk is Coded and De-coded…………………………………………………………………………………………..…15
Performing Modern Signtalk…………………………………………………………………….…………………….15
Modern Signtalk Primer………………………………………………….………………………20
Have you got Modern Signtalk? ...................................................................................................44
Final Thoughts on Modern Signtalk………………………………………………..……………45
Index………………………………………………………………………………………..……47
Communication without an App
The voices of the American West in 1840 were many--Kiowa, Comanche, Navajo, Puebloan, French trappers and Spanish traders. There were American mule skinners and Mexican arrieros hunters, explorers, adventurers, soldiers, spies, saints, sinners, slaves, free men and civilizing women. Was it a cacophony or harmony?
Modern Signtalk is based on Indian Sign Talk as it was used on the American frontier over 150 years ago. Languages with hand and body gestures had been used forever across the western plains to facilitate trade and maintain peace. The primitives, pilgrims, prophets and profit takers on the American frontier spoke many tongues and Indian Sign Talk was their universal translator.
During this time many natural wonders and much raw material were moved east and west to luxuriate and comfort civilized man. Hard goods and fine crafts brought durability and new beauty to the native folk. This time of contact and commercialism was made possible with Indian Sign Talk and it was perhaps, if even for a short while, one of the more peaceful times of cultural contact in the American West.
This Complemented Cultural interaction was made possible with Indian Sign Talk. A stable marketplace was created because of this interaction. With Indian Sign Talk there was understanding and with understanding there was peace.
Modern Signtalk Theory
In the merging of the free market nature of Indian Sign Talk with contemporary culture and folkways there is a universal translator--Modern Signtalk. Modern Signtalk is not used to trade buffalo robes and beaver pelts or steel hatchets and blue beads. Instead, it is a sign talk to trade cultural understanding, where the marketplace is a neutral space between Beings and the medium of communication is fluid gestures, tempered voice and an agreeable visage. Today cultural communication is all about the internet and social networking. It is the language of the machines--emojis and hashtags. In a world of electronic words dancing on speed-of-light communication, all we have is another level on the Tower of Babel.
For all its promise the Great Digital has yet to unite the world with its ability to transcribe, translate and transmit the sum of human knowledge. Disparate voices have become the clan, the tribe, and the new “in” group. These voices express a new culture, yelling its messages of diversity into the chaos where it meets its polar star--old voices--old culture.
The genius of the internet has failed to be the transforming medium of cultural understanding. It fails because it is all filtered through the binary of 1 or 2. Regardless of how little time has passed from one human keystroke to another human’s perception through a device, the machine gives us the message: friend or unfriend. The great cultural divide is still language. Using modern technology to translate our cultural differences will not work because it is not human. The machine may be able to translate words but it cannot give words cultural understanding.
Modern Signtalk fulfills the need for human communication across cultural divides and across language divides. Only with human contact--the movement of body, countenance of face and sound of voice--can there be true communication
Conventions of Modern Signtalk
Modern Signtalk is an easily acquired, simple to use and adaptable translation language, using upper body gestures as well as facial expressions and vocals. We live in a state of conflicting cultures where human beings refuse to accept that we are more alike than different. Cultures in conflict only yell, “My diversity is more important!!”
Modern Signtalk works on the principle of Complemented Culture. It starts from the idea that there are shared cultural experiences that can be communicated with sign, expression and voice. Once we communicate with shared traditions we will see that we are the human culture.
In order to facilitate the acceptance of Modern Signtalk as a universal translator some Conventions of Communication must be established.
Here are a few of these conventions.
Interactions--are the exchanges of signs between Signtalkers; the making of the sign and the interpretation of the sign.
Series Interactions--are the performance of a sign and series of signs that are read and replied to, to the point where there is communication.
Most sign interaction is based on a simple subject/predicate/object sentence structure.
Signs are Symbolic or A-symbolic.
Signs are made in the Neutral--the area from a sign talker’s belly to the head to just a little outside shoulder width.
Modern Signtalk is performed ambidextrously. The hands are called the Actor and the Stage. For most folk this is calibrated to your dominant hand being the Actor and the weak hand being the Stage.
Acquiring Modern Signtalk
Before you start to learn Modern Signtalk please take some time to think how you use Signtalk in your daily communications. Do you use your hands while talking? Do you use your show approval with face? I bet you do. Most people do. We jab a fist in the air to show enthusiasm and we smile at funny stories. Modern Signtalk cultivates this native communication.
Learning anything new must, I believe, begin with the simple--that is to eat, drink and be merry. The following Signtalk Graphic Interactions will show you how Modern Signtalk interactions are performed.
Here are some simple series interactions
Question I Need Eat Building Please
Interpretation--Can you help me find a restaurant please?
What Food You Like
Interpretation--What kind of food do you want?
Here All Food
Interpretation--I would like local food.
Good Eat Building Thataway
Interpretation--a good local food restaurant in that direction
What Distance
Interpretation--How far?
Short Walk West
Interpretation--A short walk west.
At The Restaurant
I Like Bread Cheese Please
Interpretation-- I would like bread and cheese please.
I Want Wine Please
Interpretation-- Also wine, please.
And be Merry
Happy Heart Go All Day
U-P Sad Heart Tired in Mile
Interpretation--A merry heart goes all the day, your sad heart tires in a mile.” Shakespeare—A Winter’s Tale
As you can see from the above series interactions the sign does not always match the exact word you need. You will learn to use cultural substitution and which signs can be combined to create the ideas you are trying to communicate.
In the above quote the sign for “happy” used for the word “merry” does not change the meaning of the quote. But if you were to sign “Sleep” (the head cocked right with Stage and Actor under the head as if sleeping) for word “tires” you may see that the “sleep” sign is perhaps too strong a sign for this quote. The signs for “need and rest” can be combined and used as “tired.” Also, Accents such as facial expression and verbal components of Signtalk will give a clearer meaning to the interaction.
You can also see that the Interpretation also does not match exact meaning of the Interaction. Modern Signtalk is bare bones, a true Skeleton Language not a true Language. It lacks the niceties of grammar, articles, pronouns, genders, tenses, diminutives, and plurals. Modern Signtalk is talk without a body is the Signtalk and fellow that adds the muscle and spirit.
Modern Signtalk and Complemented Cultures
Modern Signtalk is an easy to learn communication language for Complemented Cultures, which are diverse cultural groups that live within a community but due to language and perceived differences communication is confounded. We live in the same city, shop next to each other and pass each other on the way to church--to pray for peace in different tongues. It is in these acts, living in community, sharing in an open economy and allowing freedom of thought and expression that most all folk in most all cultures would champion as core values. The Modern Signtalk Primer below illustrates these core values with movement, sound and expression. Modern Signtalk will create Complemented Cultures with a new dialogue by communicating notions of fellowship, commerce and being.
A Primer Entry will generally have the Sign and the Complemented Language with some Cultural Content. The Signtalker is the person signing to the Fellow--which is the person reading the Sign. Next you will see the Sign Script: Players, Hand, and Shape, Direction and Accent. The script state how the Actor or Stage perform, how many fingers are used on each hand, the symbolic or asymbolic shape of the Actor or Stage, where the sign is performed relative to the Neutral and how the Actor and Stage move to perform the sign and expression and vocals that can add context to the Interaction.
Example:
Open Hand (Mano Abierta) --The Open Hand is the First sign. It is often used to start or enter into an interaction. Read my sign, Peace, I am open to you, I hold nothing back, and I hold nothing, akin to a handshake. Your accent should be friendly and open. The sign is made with Actor Four Hand Flat Up held between the belly and the breast.
Each Primer entry has a Complemented Language for building a Modern Signtalk community. The Primer below will provide vocabulary and skills which can be easily given to new folk--You need to just reach out and you will be able to grow a community of Modern Signtalkers. With a little thought and a little care and you will have a garden of new Complemented Cultural Interactions. As your vocabulary increases and accenting skills improve interactions will become thoughtful and wide-ranging.
To pass on these skills to a Complemented Beginning Signtalker you simply begin by pointing at the sign, making the sign, pointing to the Complemented Vocabulary and again making the sign. You can begin a Complemented Cultural Signtalk Interaction with the best introduction ever--a self introduction such as “My Name is Maria.” Introduce yourself with the Universal Pronoun or the U-P (four hand clenched with thumb touching chest) and then Being (one hand index finger circle your face), followed with saying your name.
Now you can convey Modern Signtalk using the Complemented Language with each entry. You would point to the U-P Sign and the Being sign. Then make these signs and say, “My name is ---fill in.” Then point to the signs in the Primer. The beginning Signtalkers will see the signs and see related words in their folk tongue. The learners work together pointing to and making signs, speaking each other’s tongues and perhaps learning the content of each other’s hearts.
Once the two communicators have established this basic interaction pattern with the skeleton structure of Signtalk, then with a little rote memory of the a-symbolic signs and the cultural understanding of the symbolic signs two folks with different tongues can be communicating with Modern Signtalk in a very short time.
As you become a confident Modern Signtalker you may begin to use your native tongue as part of your accenting. In a Complemented Cultural context this will help in language sharing. And when the reply is in a different tongue this will initiate further cultural understanding.
Thoughts on Modern Signtalk
It must be understood that Modern Signtalk in not a language with a set grammar and syntax. In his book on the Indian Sign Talk, Ernest Thompson Seton, artist, author and founder of the Boy Scouts, defines it as:
“A universal code, without apparatus for use in the Army, the Navy, Camping, hunting and everyday use.”
This is a good definition for Modern Signtalk in that it requires no electronic device or program only or being to code then de-code. Modern Signtalk has a Convention of Communication to create a standard of sign performance and meaning for this universal translation code.
How Modern Signtalk is Coded and De-coded
Modern Signtalk is not a code for a word but a code for an idea. As an example with the earlier sign “Being” used as an introduction, it also holds the idea or sense, “I am a rightful human being and part of the large experience of life.”
All Modern Signtalk gestures have implied meaning but meaning is often inferred from context and circumstance. These signs are composed in a way that have context across cultures. Modern Signtalk is based the Indian Sign Talk used on the American frontier. The two most influential sources for this work are the Dover Publications reprint of the 1931 edition of Indian Sign Language by William Tomkins and the Microsoft Digitized 1918 edition of Sign Talk by Ernest Thompson Seton.
The old signs are left in place when they fill a need, some signs have been adapted to modern usage, and others are newly composed for visual reasons or when they proved more relevant symbols for modern times and cultural context. New signs were also needed for ideas that did not exist in the 1800s.
Performing Modern Signtalk
The term performing is used because you are in a sense performing a play with your hands. Modern Signtalk can be performed ambidextrously. Your Weak Side Hand is the Stage; the Strong Side Hand is the Actor; the area in front of your body is the Neutral. The area where the fingertips of both Signtalkers would touch is the Area of Contact. Most signs are performed in the neutral area and from the head to the waist.
Players--Actor or Stage
Hand--This term means simply how many and what fingers are used in the sign. Fingers are referred to as --Index, Mid, Ring, Little and Thumb.
One Hand--The index finger as if pointing
Two Hand-- The index finger and the middle finger
Three Hand-- The index middle and ring finger
Four hand-- All fingers as if in a salute
Positions
Up-- palm up
Down-- palm down
Out--palm to fellow
In--palm to Modern Sign Talker
To Actor--Palm to Actor Side
To Stage--Palm to stage side
Shape
Pinched--all fingers touching and tips squeezed together
Bunched-- hand held if holding a ball
Flat--hand held opened
Hold - - hand is held as if holding a cylinder. The index and the thumb will touch.
Half Hold -- hand is held as if holding a large cylinder. The index and the thumb will be apart, the hand forms a half circle shape.
Clenched--hand held tight as if clasping a coin.
Direction
This is a short narrative of where the hands are place at the start of the performance and how the hands and arms move through sign and a note on accents and symbol in the performance.
Accenting
Using facial expression, voice and vocal to highlight and add context to a sign. The eyes, the lips and flexing facial muscles combined with your voice to mimic sign sounds that are identifiable--such as an animal or a motor car. Head nods, smiles, looks of surprise, a furrowed brow combined with small sounds oh, yaws, yeas and nays can both narrow the interaction or add complexity. Once a Modern Signtalker becomes practiced adding a folk tongue into the interaction will add language sharing and further cultural understanding.
In the Primer you will find entries with two or more signs described. This is because many signs share similar ideas such as, “I want” or “I like” or opposite meaning such as the ideas of yes and no. So the signs are performed in similar fashion therefore learning these signs at the same time will aid in sign acquisition.
Modern Signtalk Primer
This Primer can be viewed as a graphic user’s manual for Modern Signtalk. With these entries you will see how Modern Signtalk works and how the signs work together to convey ideas to cross language barriers. When you finish this section you will see how Modern Signtalk not only conveys a message as a single sign but also how signs interact in symbiosis to create meaning.
The following images and discussion introduces you to over 150 signs and concepts that most folks will use throughout their day--regardless of culture. These signs, although made from common words, can be used to communicate concepts of community, being and commerce. This primer has a Complemented Language which is Spanish.
Open Hand (Mano Abierta) -- The Open Hand is the First Sign. It is often used to start or enter into an interaction. Read my sign, Peace, I am open to you, I hold nothing back, and I hold nothing-- a kind of a handshake. . Actor Four Hand Flat Up. Hand held between the belly and the breast Your accent should be friendly and.
Question (Pregunta) Statement (Declaracion) -- May I ask you something? I have something to say. This sign is used throughout an interaction to ask questions for clarification, soliciting opinions and ideas. This helps to get an understanding of someone’s likes in the way of food or drink or what would make them happy. It is also used to enter into an ongoing interaction.
Question--Actor Four Hand Open. Hand at shoulder finger tips up. Move hand with a slight twisting at the wrist. Increase this movement to show urgency or importance of your question.
Statement-- Actor Four Hand Clenching. Hand at shoulder with slight twisting at wrist. Also use during an interaction to indicate your responses to a question or to inform others that you wish to interject an idea into an interaction.
Modern Signtalk (Modern/Conversacion Firmar)-- Used to ask if a fellow can Signtalk but it also holds the sense of communicating or being able to communicate. Actor and Stage Four Hand Down. Stage and Actor Four Hand Down Flat. Hands held out at belly with slight curve fingers. Actor moves to tap top of Stage, Stage then taps top Actor followed by Actor tapping top of Stage. There is a principle of Modern Signtalk--with communication comes understanding followed by peace.
The Universal Pronoun or U-P (Pronombre Universal) --As with a pronoun it is used to keep from repeating the person’s name or the noun. It means whomever or whatever you are pointing to--he, her, she, him, me, theirs, mine, they, them, it. Pointing at an object, this sign would stand-in for it or that or those. If a Modern Signtalker is pointing at a fellow Signtalker it would mean you, your, yours. There is gender neutrality in this sign that is important in modern communication. In general the U-P represents the subject of the Interaction Series. Actor Clenched with the thumb pointed over the top. Use your thumb to point at the antecedent. The U-P is used with other signs such as with Question sign and pointing to ask who or what is that?
The Emphatic (El Enfatico) -- Used to add importance or stress to the subject of the interaction. The harder the palm hits the more emphatic. Actor Four Hand Clenched with Stage Four Hand Flat. This sign is made with Actor hitting palm of Stage.
Folk (Gente) -- The people of a community. Members of a cultural group. All the People of the World. Actor Four Hand pinched with Stage Four Hand encircles Actor pinched Four Hand.
Like (Gustar)--I would like some. I like this. Do you like this? Indicates a desire for, a fondness of. Like is one of the signs that show need or want. Actor Four Hand Flat Up. Hand starts in the neutral. Hand moves to the heart for a time before the next sign. The Like sign is related to signs that show a desire as with these signs.
Want (Neccesidad) -- Actor Four Hand held at heart. Hand moves out into the neutral with Hand up Bunched. Love (Amor) -- Actor Four Hand held at heart and patting it several times before the next sign.
Please (Por Favor)/Thank You (Gracias)--The magic words. Please aid me. Yes, please. I would like that. A polite way of receiving a gift.
Please--Actor Four Hand Flat. Hand touches below the lips then moves down from the lips to between the chest and waist.
Thank You--Actor Four Hand Flat. Hand moves to touch below the lips then moves up from the lips to eye level.
Time (Tiempo) -- When asking the time of day, when showing present conditions, setting appointments, giving timelines of past or future events. Asking for starting or end times. Time is an idea that can differ in many cultures let alone within cultures and communities and families. We all have a sister who is always late and the demanding uncle who is always ten minutes early. In using Modern Signtalk a fellow understands this must be taken into your thinking when in an interaction.
Nighttime (Noche), Daytime (Tiempo de Dia), Day (Dia), Month (Mes), Year (Ano) and Hours (Hora). Symbolizing night and day and the hours as they passed or will come to be.
Time--Actor Two Hand Flat Hand taps at wrist like tapping wrist watch on Stage Four Hand Down Flat.
Time of day (Hor del Dia) is signed by tapping wrist showing either day sign or night sign to indicate a.m. or p.m. and signing one through twelve. For using a 24 hour clock, Actor Four Hand taps wrist and then make a sign for one through 24. (See Numbers)
Day--Stage arm at the belly Parallel to ground, elbow of the Actor in the Stage palm. Actor Four Hand Hold forms a circle with small space between the thumb and index the other fingers spread out like rays of sunlight. Sign at shoulder indicates morning, moving to the half way point between and the Stage elbow is noontime then lowering the Actor to the elbow to show afternoon. Night--Actor Four Hand Half Hold forming a crescent moon symbol. The sign movement is the same as day – meaning night, midnight and early morning. One Day (Un Dia) -- shown by a complete movement of the Actor from the Actor shoulder to the past Stage shoulder. Sign number indicates how many days. One Week (Una Semana) -- Make Full Day Sign then end by pivoting the sign out with a parallel arm into the neutral. One month (Una Mes ) --Actor Half Hold Stage Clenched Down held near Chest Actor Circles the Stage Once, like the moon circling the earth once in thirty days or so. A Year (Ano) -- Actor Four Hand Hold forms a circle with small space between the thumb and index finger spread. Stage One Hand circles the Actor like the 365 day revolution of the earth around the sun. Exact Date (Fecha Exacta)--can be shown by signing with the year sign and then use the number sign for the date.
Here again the idea of time and how your fellow perceives it may be different than yours. If you are in a hurry there maybe a tendency to scowl, always try to keep a pleasant demeanor. A light emphatic and a look of concern will tell your fellow that their laid back ways are not needed at this time, or you may consider that today is a nice day to just sign visit with a new friend. Einstein showed us that Time is Relative.
Anatomy (Anatomia) --Anatomy is anatomy in all cultures--a nose by any other name can still smell a sweet rose. However, think of how a body part has a cultural meaning beyond its biomechanical function. The Heart (Corazon) is the best example. We ascribe love, courage, one’s kindness and sadness to the muscled powered pump. A heart can be a sweet, a heart can be broken. Use the U-P to indicate the body part.
The most critical need for this sign would be in medical situations. If you have pain indicate the area of hurt and grimace or if you have the awful gut and stomach problems (Problemas Estomacales) rub your belly back and forth and moan. The emphatic again can be used to indicate how ill you are, or just moan louder. A Headache (Dolor de Cabeza) can be shown by Actor Four Hand rubbing forehead with a grimace and moan.
Talk (Hablar)/Speak (Hablar) Listen (Escucha) Relaying information or receiving with voice or sound. Talk and Speak are used here with the sense that Talk is a two way conversation as in “Let’s Talk” and speak is used for the idea that one fellow speaks and the other fellow listens.
Talk (Hablar) -- Actor Two Hand In. Hand held near mouth move fingers in direction of your fellow move hand back and forth showing a two way movement.
Speak (Hablar) -- Actor One Hand Up. Index to fellow. Hold back of Actor near mouth move forward with fingers pointing to the fellow.
Listen (Escucha) -- Actor Four Hand In. Actor held in the neutral the actor moves in with fingertips touch the ear as if you are pulling sound to his ear. To show--I listen or I hear. These signs would seem to be unnecessary with a silent communication but they can best be used for the purpose of Modern Signtalk to help the flow of the interaction.
Truth (Verdad)--Honesty, reality, simply a sign meaning what I sign is what I believe to be true or in all honesty. Actor Three Hand In. Fingers held straight up thumb touching the little finger. Start with finger pads near lips move hand out while turning palm outward. The similarity between this sign and that of the Boy Scouts is not an accident.
Good (Bueno)/Bad (Malo) -- I like this, it is right, I agree, or I do not…… Used with the idea of the quality of something or as in the opposing of good with bad. Perhaps these two signs can be used to illustrate one aspect of Modern Signtalk and that is of Respect of Beings. These words confer strong value judgment. Using these signs to describe inanimate objects is one thing but to use these signs to assign positive or negative nature on a fellow or folk is another.
Some ideas can be signed in more than one way. Good can be signed with the traditional Actor Four Hand Down. Hand at the belly. The Actor moves in a flat arc ended straight out in the Neutral. Then there is the most universal sign for good the thumbs up. Actor Clenched. Hand Thumbs up and the OK sign Actor Four Hand. Thumb and Index finger forming an O and the other fingers forming a “k” like sign. Bad can be Actor Four Hand Clenched. Thumb down or, the pinched nose or the traditional Actor Four Hand Clenched. Actor held at chest and then moves to the neutral and opens as if throwing something away.
All (Todas) --Complete, everything, all that is here and can be seen. Actor Four Hand Down. Fingers spread hand held at belly. Make a flat circular motion with the hand as if encompassing everything, encircling all that is all.
Fellow (Companero) --A being of like mind, an agreeable acquaintance, a being you admire, a being belonging to the same social organization or religion or just a person, and a Modern Signtalker. In Modern Signtalk “Fellow” is a non-gendered noun. Actor and Stage Four Hand Bunched In. Hands softly pat the chest with thumb and index finger touching at the collar bones and shoulders.
Distance (Distancia) -- How far in miles, kilometers or city blocks. The idea of how far away something or a place is. Actor and Stage Four Hand Down flat . Stage moves into the Neutral followed by bringing the Actor index move to the wrist followed by the Actor moving up and forward to have Stage Index touching Actor wrist. Add a sense of time to this sign by using Long or Short and then use the Time sign.
Short (Corto)/Tall (Alto) Long (Largo)--In most languages words have synonyms and antonyms-- thus the reason for a Thesaurus because context can create a different meaning or sense of a word. It is what a linguist would call Connotation and Denotation. Likewise signs can have multiple ideas or senses. Short can be used as in the size of a fellow or how much time an event takes. A road can be long as well as the time on that road can be shortened with more speed. A Fellow can be tall, mountains and tales can be tall. You can get a short shrift and you can get a good long talking to. All these signs are used for the sense of relative lengths, whether time or distance or span or size. The Primer may give you the definition, however it is the culture and how your sign is understood in culture influences how sign is understood. As you use Modern Signtalk always consider that culture ultimately controls the success of an interaction.
Tall--Actor Four Hand Down Flat, Hand move a little ways above head to show that the subject of your interaction is above you in height or tall. Small--is shown with Actor Four Hand Flat Down moves at shoulder height show something is shorter.
Short--Stage Four Hand To Actor Flat. Actor Four Hand. Actor taps finger tips of Stage then moves Actor in and taps at knuckle to indicate short.
Long-- Stage Four Hand Flat To Actor. Actor taps finger tips of Stage then moves Actor to elbow and taps to show long.
Thataway (Eselejos) --A simple sign to indicate a direction in which to proceed or the direction of movement of a thing or person. Actor One Hand use Actor and arm to point in the direction in question or statement. As in “He went that away.”
Walk (Caminar)/Run (Correr) --Perambulate. Walk down the road, I am going for a walk or a run. Actor and Stage Four Hand Down Flat. Hands mime a walking like movement. Perform Run just like walk but faster.
Building (Edificio) --Something that is built, a construction other than a home. A place of business.
Building --Actor and Stage Four Hand In. Start the sign by forming a box shape with hands. fingers facing in overlap. Complete the sign by opening the Mid, Ring and Little inward like opening the building’s front doors.
If we go back to a previous entry you will can see that the signs eat and building can be combined to create the sign eat+building or the idea of a building where you go to eat or a Restaurant (Restaurante).
Other Buildings
Home or House (Casa) -- Actor and Stage Four Hand as you performed with Building but instead of opening finger turn sign to have Stage and Actor One Hand forming a triangle indicating a peaked roof. A Home with flat roofed, use the Stage side Building sign with the Actor Four Hand Flat on top of Stage. Church (Iglesia) --Actor and Stage One Hand Index fingers pointing up and touching at tips, thumbs aligned pointing up forming a steeple and doors. Mid, Ring and Little fingers are intertwined and inside hands. Finish the sign by opening the doors and turning hands over to wiggling fingers and show all the people at prayer.
Eat (Comer), eating, I ate, eat it, that fellow ate it all. Eating food is probably the most common cultural attribute. Eating, what we eat and how much we eat will always be a subject of gossip and with Modern Signtalk you will be able to gossip with Complemented Cultures.
Eat -- Actor Four Hand Pinched. Actor moves to mouth making a few taps on the lips as if eating popcorn.
Food-- Actor Four Hand Pinched. Actor fingers touch below the mouth at the chin.
Food is one the most singular substances in our lives. Across the earth food is so diverse but unlike other culture differences food brings us together. If you think about it, you most often interact with different folk in the process of getting food.
Bread (Pan de Molde) --Stage and Actor Four Hand Down Half Hold. Stage and Actor touch at fingers and thumbs. Move Stage and Actor apart then turn down make loaf shape. The distance hands part before turn indicates size of loaf.
Flatbread (Tortilla) -- Stage Up and Actor Down Four. Hands at chest pat hands together and cross back and forth then make bread sign.
Cheese (Queso) -- Stage and Actor Four Hand Up Half Hand Thumbs and Index aligned. In a rolling motion move the hands up and back to start to form a cheese wheel shape.
Beef Meat (Carne de Vaca) --Actor One Hand. Hold Thumb with Index up to Actor Ear. Form a curved horn of beef cattle. Then with Stage and Actor One Hand Half Hold move sign to have thumb and Index touch make an oval shape of a cut of beef steak.
Chicken (Pollo)--See Page 31
Fish (Pescado) -- See Page 31
Vegetables (Vegetales)--Use Sign for eat + plant
Fruit (Frusta)--Actor Four Hand Bunched up mime eating apple like fruit
Drink (BeBer)--Actor Four Hand Up. With hand at chest take hand to mouth as if scooping water from a stream. This Sign as with many signs is used of course as a verb as in--please drink some sweet tea. And in the context of food and eating it or a variation is often used with the Please and Question sign to get your favorite beverage.
Glass of Water (Vaso de Aqua) -- Actor Four Hand Hold. As if holding a glass of water, follow with a drinking like movement near mouth. All cultures do not use the same drinking vessel so; Modern Signtalk takes some stereotypical images which translate well into symbolic signs.
Wine (Vino) -- Actor Four Hand as if holding stemmed wine glass. Tip to mouth.
Beer (Cerveza)--Actor Four Hand Clenched as if holding a beer mug the thumb can be used to mime opening the silver cap of a German Beer Stein as you mime taking a guzzle of beer.
Coffee (Café) -- Actor Three Hand Clenched as if holding coffee mug. Tip to Lips
Tea (Te) -- Actor Two Hand fingertips and thumb together as if holding a delicate English Tea Cup. Tip to Lips.
Soda Drink (Bebida de Soda)--Actor Four Hand Hold. Like Water Glass sign except after you take the Actor to Mouth Return to start the with Stage Four Bunched Up Move stage up and down through the Actor like soda bubbles then return Actor to lips.
Taste (Gusto)--The taste of food in the mouth.. Sweet or sour. A small bite of food. Food is a very unifying cultural element. The need to not only eat but eat food with taste has always brought us together. Being able to use the idea of taste and relate it to food signs will give sensuality to interactions about your gastronomic experiences, which will strengthen cultural bonds between fellows. Actor One Hand Bring Index and thumb to mouth with the tip of the tongue slightly out. Here is a good sign to use with expression accenting. We all know a puckered face caused by lemonade or the satisfying mmmmmm of some home baked sweet treat and lip smacking sounds of someone savoring fire seared meat.
Numbers (Numerous) -- Being able to count and use symbols to keep tallies is a central human trait and necessary to economic activity. Actor held a little below shoulder. Start with a close hand back of hand facing out.
One (uno)--One Hand
Two (dos)--two hand
Three (tres)--three Hand
Four (cuatro)--Four Hand
Five (Cinco)--four hand and thumb
Six (Seis)--knuckles out Clenched
Seven (Siete)--Palm In Little
Eight (Ocho)--Palm In Little, Ring
Nine (Nueve)--Palm In Little, Ring, Little
Ten (Diez)- -Palm In Little, Ring, Mid, Index and thumb Four hand
Zero (Cero)--Four Hand Hold, Little Out
By using Stage paired with the Actor it is possible to make signs up to a thousand, but after ten it would be more efficient to write number. Also numbers larger than ten can be indicated by signing one number then the next. As in signing Two then Four for Twenty-Four. Modern Signtalk incorporates numbers in the calendar and time telling.
Being (Siendo) -- The idea of Being -- I am a rightful Individual. There is here a social contract that is if Beings recognizes their rightfulness then it must needs be that all Beings are rightful. U-P Circles the face.
Other Beings -- In Modern Signtalk it is recognized that all living creatures are Beings. Here are some signs to show some of the diversity of life. Animals in all cultures to some degree are both loved and abused. It is important to have this understanding. Modern Signtalk should be used to communicate for the good treatment and respect of all the world’s beings.
Other Beings (Otro Seres)--One Hand circle half of your face like the Being sign then move to the animals sign.
Dog (Perro) -- Actor Two Hand held at ears accents with small “Bark--Bark”
Cat (Gato) -- Actor Three Hand fingers spread held and corners of mouth then pull fingers away making whisker symbol. Accent with “Meow-- Meow”
Bird (Pajato) -- Stage and Actor Four Hand hands fingers spread held chest high thumbs up and held together. Make flapping movement with hands accents with bird call. Or “Chirp--Chirp”
Fish (Pescado)--Actor Four Hand Out. Fingers together held at waist. Move hand out mime swimming fish.
Chicken (Pollo)--Actor One Hand Pinched. Stage Four Hand Flat Up Out. Tap Stage with Actor like chicken pecking food on the ground.
Horse (Caballo)--Mime riding a horse. Stage and Actor Four Hand Clenched. Hands mime holding reins.
Weather (Clima)--Everyone talks about the weather but no one ever does anything about it. The day’s weather conditions are important information to know and to give or at least be able to hold forth. The sign for weather make-- the Question or Statement sign and then Sky (Cielo) --Actor Four Hand Out fingers spread start at Stage shoulder and move Actor out and up transcribe the sky. Accent with eyes looking skyward follows with appropriate sign for the weather conditions.
Sunny (Soleado)--Sun Sign is also used for time and calendar. Actor Four Hand Hold Palm to Stage. The hand is held at shoulder with a circle made with the thumb and index space between Index and Thumb. Mid, Ring, Little spread out like rays of sunlight. Twist at wrist.
Rain (Lluvia)--Actor Four Hand Down. With fingers spread out start hands at eye level lower hands to chest while rolling finger up and down like rain drops. This sign can be performed with both Stage and Actor or with either hand singularly.
Snow (Nieve) -- Actor Four Hand Down. With fingers spread out start hands at eye level lower hands to chest while slowly swinging hands and rolling finger up and down like falling snow. This sign can be performed with both Stage and Actor or with either hand singularly.
Clouds (Nubes)--Stage and Actor Four Hand Half Hold Down. Thumbs and index finger touch pull hand slightly apart while turning palms inward. Then turn Half Hold down and then repeat turn palm back to face each other with hands a little further apart. Repeat move again with more separation between hands. If you can imagine round bulbous cloud shapes building as your hands lower forming semi-circle shapes.
Wind (Viento) -- Actor Four Hand Clenched Out. Hand at shoulder move hand out into neutral spread finger. Accent with a windy sound.
Hot (Caliente) -- Actor Four Hand Up. Hold hand over eye as if shielding your face from the hot sun. Accent with sound of distress and wipe sweat from forehead.
Cold (Frio)--Cross arms at chest hug yourself tight and shiver. Accent with “brrr” sound.
Health (Salud)/Medical (Medico)--Relating your health needs or trying to help someone get medical attention maybe a life saving interaction. Modern Signtalk will give you the skills needed to communicate medical and emergency needs in a cross-cultural interaction.
Health (Salud)--Stage and Actor Four Hand Clenched. Hold your arms stretched out and bent up at elbows. This pose is the strong man pose. If your health is good circle your heart if it is poor show sign for bad or no. Frowns and smiles can also accent your health status. Can be performed with either Actor or Stage or both.
Illness (Enfermedad)--Actor Four Hand In. Rub Forehead and then indicate area of the problem. If you have an Upset Stomach (Estomago Enfermo) rub forehead then rub belly. A grimace or moan can accent the sign. For a Fever (Fiebre) make the illness sign and then do sign for Hot then touch your fevered brow again.
Pain (Dolor)--Actor Four Hand. Rub your Stage shoulder with Actor and then by rubbing the area of pain the body part that hurts. Again accent with a grimace or moan.
Medical Help (Ayuda Medica). Actor Two Hand makes a V with Index and thumb and Mid centered behind the V. Then place the V in the crook of your Stage arm and simulate giving an injection. You can indicate the severity of your difficulty by the Emphatic. Also the Emergency (Emergencia) sign, Stage and Actor Out held near shoulders. Open and Close Four Hands like flashing lights.
Plants (Plantas)--The idea of plants covers many green and colorful living things. Here are a few simple plant signs.
Plant (Planta) -- Stage Four Hand Hold Actor Pinched. Bring Actor Four Hand Pinched up through the bottom of the Stage spreading fingers as hand moves up through the Stage like spreading leaves.
Weed (Hierba) -- Make the Plant sign followed with Bad sign.
Tree (Arbol) -- Stage Four Hand Out Fingers spread like tree branches. Hold Stage at Eye level. Actor One Hand Thumb and Index circles arm with arm parallel at elbow symbolizing a Tree Trunk and the earth-- wiggle stage finger like tree branch in the wind.
Flowers (Flores) --Stage and Actor Four Hand Bunched Up. Hold Hands under nose in a tight bunched. Accent by breathing in with a pleased look.
Compass Directions (Direccion de la Brujula) -- Communicating where you are on the landscape and being able to relate location and movement of direction are important skills. Actor One Hand points to:
North (Norte)--Nose
South (Sur)--Chin
West (Oeste)--Left Ear
East (Este)--Right Ear
You can see that with north being your nose like a rose on a map that north would be the top of the map with south at the bottom and the left side of the map would be west and the right side east. To sign inter point compass directions tap the compass point twice. For Southwest you would tap your chin twice and then your left ear twice.
Come (Veni r)Go (Ir) -- Asking someone to come to you or leave you can be perceived as an order and perhaps taken the wrong way. Modern Signtalk should be used to make polite requests of mutual benefit.
Come--Actor One Hand In. With the one hand finger point up and slightly curved in bend your wrist toward your breast few times while looking at the individual of your request.
Go-- Actor Four Hand Out. Actor starts low at side. Move Actor forward and up as if moving someone along and again while looking at subject.
Regardless of the above discussion about courtesy it may be necessary to get someone to move quickly--always remember the emphatic and accents with looks of concern to give an interaction some urgency.
Happy (Felis)Sad (Triste) --Expressing your emotions and understanding the feelings of others is integral to Modern Signtalk, however, interactions should be not be fraught with emotion. Happy--Actor One Hand In, hand held at chin below lips finger and thumb up like a smile.
Sad--Actor One Hand Out, Hand held at chin, finger and thumb pointing down like frown.
More (Mas)/ Less (Menos)--More love, more care, more mindfulness and less hate, less worry, and unkindness.
More--Stage and Actor Four Hand chest high pinched and touching at finger tips move hand apart and open up pinched finger—like something expanding into something more.
Less--Stage and Actor Four Hand Across Palm Facing Finger Spread. Move hands together while forming pinched fingers and let finger tips touch like something contracting to less volume.
Work (Trabajo) -- Work is where you go to make a living. Actor and Four Hand Clenched Parallel at hips. Move arms back and forth like piston in a machine. The specific kind of work can be mimed. Sawing wood-- Actor Four Hand mimes sawing motion on Stage Thumb three times tor hammering Stage Four Hand Down Actor mimes hammering motion back of Stage.
Yes (Si)/No (No)--Signs for yes and no are many. Head Shakes and Nods, Thumbs up/thumbs down, smiles and frowns. Modern Signtalk uses the antecedent from Indian Sign Talk.
Yes--Actor One Hand Up Parallel. Turn Actor over and point to the earth.
No--Actor Four Hand Flat Out Up. Turn Actor palm down.
SamesSame (MismoMismo)--A term meaning equal to or I want that also. Stage and Actor Four Hand Out Up. Move hands up and down slightly as if judging the weight of an object.
Time and Space (Tiempo y Espacio)--There is “in the now” sense to Modern Signtalk in that interactions happen between two people standing by each other. But communication systems must relay ideas of movement through time as well as in space.
Before (Antes) After (Despues) -- To give a clearer sense of the timing of an event. Stage and Actor Four Hand Out Flat Down. Actor crosses hand over Stage wrist to indicate After and Actor Cross Stage Finger Tips to show Before.
Up (Arriba)/Down (Abajo)--The simplest sign for a direction or place is of course to just point but in Modern Signtalk add a few small circling motions with Actor One Hand Index point, just to be fancy, And look up or down as an accent.
Here (Aqui) --At this spot, local, come to this spot. There is an immediacy with Signtalk that in general almost all interactions will be about the “here” about what is happening right then at that location. Locations--the land-- whether City Street or farm field will have the most effect on cultural context. Four Hand palm down hand bunched. Move the hand up and down as if fingers are pointing to the ground.
Under (DeBajo)/Over (Encuma)/Around(Alredesor)--Hold the Four Hand Stage in a loose clench palm parallel to ground with Actor Four Hand over the top of Stage for Over, below the stage for Under or move hand around the Stage to sign Around. Really quite simple.
In (En)/ Out (Fuera)--Go into or out of, Put something in a container or to remove something, to enter, to leave. To be in someplace or out of a room.
In (En)--Stage One Hand Half Hold Actor One Hand Pointing moves through Stage.
Out (Fuera) -- Stage Four Hand Half Hold Actor Four Hand Bunched Down Actor moves up through the Stage and Clenches as if pulling something out of Stage.
Viewing the World (Viendo el Mundo) -- A hope of Modern Signtalk, as has been stated before, is to create Complemented Cultural Communication. The following signs will allow a fellow to relay their comprehension of the two way flow of a cultural connection.
See (Ver) look (Mira) -- Look and see are used in the sense of take that action, looking or seeing asking someone to look at something or if they see something or to consider some idea or understand an opinion.
Look (Mira)--Actor Two Hand fingers at slight V hold back of hand at bridge of nose finger at eyes move hand out in direction. To articulate idea of you looking at something or in a direction and please consider my opinion.
See (Vir) -- Actor Two Hand Fingers in slight V point to object twice and then point to your eyes twice. To indicate that you do see an object or understand an idea.
Speak (Decir) -- Speak here is used in the sense of just one fellow speaking while others listen. Actor Four Hand Flat Across move hand from mouth out towards fellow
Talk (Hablar) -- Talk is used in the sense of a two way communication. Actor Four Hand move hand from mouth toward speaker then back to mouth then back to fellow indicating back and forth. Repeat twice.
Listen (Escucha)/Hear (Saber)--Listen is used in the sense of request please listen. Hear is used to show that you understand or at least hear your fellow
Listen-- Actor Four Out. Actor at eye level open hand pointing to fellow move hand to ear and tap twice.
Hear--Actor is cupped around back of ear with a yes nod, affirmative sound or yes sign can show agreement.
Think (Pensar)/Thinking (pensando)--Think as in-- to think about some thing. Actor One Hand Touches forehead. Thinking as in I am considering a discussion point. Actor Two Hand Tap the forehead a few times quickly. Accent with look of concentration.
Teach (Ensenar) Learn (Aprender) --To be able to give knowledge and accept new ideas, to be the mentor and the student is the goal of all Modern Signtalk Fellows. Teach--Actor Three Hand touches forehead and moves hand three times into the neutral finger tips toward forehead of fellow to show a two way movement of knowledge or teaching. Learn--Actor Four Hand move from the neutral where finger tips point to forehead and tap forehead three times to show that the knowledge has been passed on.
Money (Moneda)--Being able to participate in a culture’s economy is important to a Fellow’s success. Here are two Signs that enable you take part in great enterprise. Money--This is used with the understanding that it notes the currency of your location if in the United States it would be dollars if in Mexico it would be the Peso. Using money signs with signs like Question, samesame, numbers, more/less, time and work will give Modern Signtalkers access to a free market where all beings can participate.
Currency (Dinero) -- Paper money or cash Stage Four Hand Flat Up Actor Four Hand Flat Down. Actor moves to wipe the palm of the Stage. As if counting paper money.
Coins (Monedas)--Actor mimes stacking coins in the palm of the Stage.
Have you got Modern Signtalk?
Now that you have an understanding of the Primer and Signtalk performance it is time to test your Signtalk Skills.
Find signs in the Primer that will communicate the following ideas.
Hungry
Injury
Find entries in the Primer that you would use in an interaction to express.
How can I help you?
Use the Primer to perform this interaction
I saw a sky filled with birds and clouds.
Think of something very central to your culture and find signs in the Primer to reveal this part of your Being.
A fellow should have some goal in being a Modern Signtalker. Please, with at least three sentences, state what you hope to achieve by acquiring Modern Signtalk. And then perform the paragraph.
Some Final Thoughts on Modern Signtalk
What Modern Signtalk is not: It is not a communication to be used in the dark. By its very nature it must be in the light--open and honest.
Across the wide world it is possible that a given sign may be hurtful to a cultural sensitivity but be aware that there is nothing in Modern Signtalk that can be meant to be derisive or hurtful. Modern Signtalk has no signs that are angry or aggressive. No hurt can be taken because no hurt can be made.
I also wonder how well the Modern Signtalk can communicate deeper ideas such as folkways, what it means to be a good neighbor or how will it communicate art and science. You must understand that Modern Signtalk is a singular form of communication and if you have completed this small book then you and the author are perhaps the only folk that can use Modern Signtalk. If that be true I hope that as a Fellow you will convey Modern Signtalk to a Complemented Culture. Modern Signtalk is a new dialogue where freedom of thought, the desire for peace and the ability to care for ourselves are the symbols that folk express.
BE COMMUNICATE PEACE
Brian Underwood
Alamosa, Colorado
2017
panish Language Resource:
Living Language Common Usage Dictionary
English -Spanish
Spanish-English
Crown Publishers Inc., New York
1985
Colloquial Spanish
William Robert Patterson
Poutledge & Kegan Paul LTD
1963
Mexican Spanish
Rafael & Cecilia Carmona
Lonely Planet
2003
Index
All (Todas)--27
Anatomy (Anatomia)--25
Beef Meat (Carne de Vaca)--31
Beer (Cerveza)--32
Before (Antes)/After (Despues)--32
Being (Siendo)--31
Bird (Pajato)--34
Bread (Pan de Molde)--30
Building (Edifcio)--29
Cat (Gato)--34
Cheese (Queso)--31
Chicken (Pollo)--34
Church (Iglesia)--30
Clouds (Nubes)--35
Coffee (Café)--32
Coins (Monedas)--35
Cold (Frio)--36
Come (Venir)/Go (ir) Go--38
Compass Directions (Direccion de la Brujula)--38
Currency (Dinero)--44
Distance (Distancia)--27
Dog (Perro)--34
Drink (BeBer)--24
East (Este)--38
Eat (Comer)--30
Eight (Ocho)--33
Emergency (Emergencia)--29
The Emphatic (El Enfatico)--22
Fellow (Comoanero)--27
Fish (Pescado)--34
Five (Cinco)--33
Flatbread (Tortilla)--23
Flowers (Flores)--30
Folk (Gente)--22
Four (cuatro)--33
Fruit (Frusta)--24
Glass of Water (Vaso de Aqua)--31
Good (Bueno)/Bad (Malo)--26
Happy (Felis)/ Sad (Triste)--39
Headache (Dolor de Cabeza)--25
Health (Salud)/Medical (Medico)--36
Health (Salud)--36
Here (Aqui)--41
Home or House (Casa)--29
Horse (Caballo)--27
Hot (Caliente)--36
Illness (Enfermedad)--29
In (En)/ Out (Fuera)--41
Like (Gustar)--23
Listen (Escucha)/Hear (Saber)--43
Love (Amor)--23
Medical Help (Ayuda Medica)--37
Money (Moneda)--43
More (Mas)/ Less (Menos)--31
Nighttime (Noche), Daytime (Tiempo de Dia), Day (Dia), Month (Mes), Year (Ano), Hour (Hora)--24
Nine (Nueve)--33
North (Norte)--38
Numbers (Numerous)--32
One (uno)--33
Open Hand (Mano Abierta)--21
Other Beings (Otro Seres)--34
Pain (Dolor)--37
Plant (Planta)--37
Please (Por Favor)/Thank You (Gracias)--23
Question (Pregunta)/Statement (Declaracion)--21
SamesSame (MismoMismo)--40
See (Ver)/look (Mira)--34
Seven (Siete)--33
Short (Corto)/Tall (Alto)/Long (Largo)--28
Signtalk (Conversacion Firmar)--22
Six (Seis)--33
Sky (Cielo)--35
Soda Drink (Bebida de Soda)--25
South (Sur)--38
Speak (Decir)--42
Stomach problems (Problemas Estomacales)--25
Sunny (Soleado)--35
Talk (Hablar)/Speak (Hablar) Listen (Escucha)--26
Talk (Hablar)--26
Taste (Gusto)--32
Tea (Te)--32
Teach (Ensenar)/Learn (Aprender)--43
Ten (Diez)--33
Thataway (Eselejos)--29
Think (Pensar)/Thinking (pensando)--43
Three (tres)--33
Time (Hora)--23
Time and Space (Tiempo y Espacio)--40
Time of day (Hor del Dia)--24
Tree (Arbol)--37
Truth--(Verdad)--26
Two (dos)--33
Under (DeBajo)/Over (Encuma)/Around (Alredesor)--41
The Universal Pronoun or U-P (Pronombre Universal)--22
Up (Arriba)/Down (Abajo)--41
Vegetables (Vegetales)--31
Viewing the World (Viendo el Mundo)--42
Walk (Caminar)/Run (Correr)--29
Want (Queerer)--23
Weather (Clima)--35
Weed (Hierba)--37
West (Oeste)--38
Wind (Viento)--36
Wine (Vino)--32
Work (Trabajo)--40
Yes (Si)/ No (No)--32
Zero (Cero)--33
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