Subject
Sign language Books
Best books
Garrick Mallery
Sign Language Among North American Indians Compared With That Among Other Peoples And Deaf-Mutes First Annual Report of the Bureau of Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, 1879-1880, Government Printing Office, Washington, 1881, pages 263-552
"Sign Language Among North American Indians Compared With That Among Other Peoples and Deaf-Mutes" by Garrick Mallery is a scientific publication likely written in the late 19th century. This work focuses on the study of sign language, particularly among Native American tribes, as well as comparing their gestures with those used by other cultures and deaf-mute communities. The text aims to compile and classify a significant body of research on this form of non-verbal communication, highlighting its complexities and its evolutionary significance. The opening of the work introduces Mallery’s dedication to the research on sign language over a two-year period, outlining the necessity of original investigation due to the lack of detailed knowledge on the subject. He emphasizes the potential richness of gesture communication among North American tribes and notes the ongoing collection of data from various contributors worldwide. Mallery seeks to clarify that his paper is a progress report rather than a complete analysis, underscoring the interconnectedness of bodily gestures and facial expressions in conveying meaning. The distinctions between emotional and intellectual gestures are discussed, serving as a precursor to more extensive discussions on the origins and utilization of sign language throughout history.
Ernest Thompson Seton
Sign talk : $b a universal signal code, without apparatus, for use in the Army, the Navy, camping, hunting, and daily life
"Sign Talk" by Ernest Thompson Seton is a comprehensive guidebook on gesture-based communication, specifically focusing on a universal signal code derived from various sources, including the gesture language of the Cheyenne Indians. Written in the early 20th century, the work serves as both a practical manual and an ethnographic account, delving into the historical significance and usage of sign language in contexts such as the army, camping, and everyday life. Seton aims to bridge communication gaps across linguistic boundaries through the use of this visual language, highlighting its practicality and elegance. The opening of the text provides insights into the author's motivations and the extensive background research that informed the creation of the signal code. It reveals Seton's personal encounters with Indigenous sign language, illustrating his journey of learning and documenting the rich vocabulary and expressive potential of gesture language. Additionally, it outlines the book's structure, which includes a comprehensive vocabulary of approximately 1,725 signs, along with illustrations to aid understanding. The preface emphasizes the importance of this language in facilitating communication among diverse groups, while also expressing a desire to preserve the rich heritage of sign language associated with Native American cultures.
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