Page:The-sign-language-a-manual-of-signs-2nd-ed.djvu/29



There are two distinguishing signs for sex, and these signs are prefixed to the sign of the person or persons signified. They are as follows:

Male.—Raise the hand to the forehead as if about to grasp the rim of the hat; go through the grasping motion as the hand reaches the forehead and is placed against it instead of out where the rim of the hat would be. The grasping motion is usually repeated several times with the hand held against the forehead. III, 31.

Female.—Lift the "A" hand to the side of the jaw just behind the ear, so that the thumb touches the jaw; draw the hand down so that the end of the thumb passes along the under edge of the jaw bone until it reaches the chin. III, 32.

Man.—The sign for "male" is usually sufficient, but to be exact the hand is then brought out indicating a man's height.

Woman.—The sign for "female" likewise is sufficient for "woman," but the height is also indicated.

Boy.—Sign for "male;" then indicate size.

Girl.—Sign for "female;" then indicate size.

Gentleman.—Sign for "male;" then bring the "5" hand down and with the ends of the fingers pointing up and the hand at right angles with the body, strike the thumb against the breast. III, 33.

Lady.—Sign for "female" and finish as in "gentleman."

Father.—With fingers closed and thumb extended, place thumb at the right side of the forehead and at right angles to it; with a slightly twisting motion, bring hand away, opening fingers and turning palm upward; at the same time bring the left hand up similarly and place parallel to the right as if lifting up a babe. III, 34.

Mother.—Starting with the sign for "woman" bring hands in same way as for "father." III, 35.

Note: There is also a common sign for "father" made by merely placing hand as indicated and then opening fingers, keeping the thumb at forehead. In the case of mother, the