IX, Signaling and Indian Signs 



Sign Language 



DO YOU know the Sign Language? 

 If not, do you realize that the Sign Language is 

 an established mode of communication in all parts 

 of the world without regard to native speech? 



Do you know that it is so refined and complete that ser- 

 mons and lectures are given in it every day, to those who 

 cannot hear? 



Do you know that it is as old as the hills and is largely 

 used in all pubHc schools? And yet when I ask boys this 

 question, "Do you use the Sign Language?" they nearly 

 always say "No." 



The first question of most persons is "What is it?" It is 

 a simple method of asking questions and giving answers, 

 that is talking, by means of the hands. It is used by all the 

 Plains Indians, and by thousands of white people to-day, in 

 cities, as well as in the western country, and to an extent 

 that surprises all when first they come to think of it. 



Not long ago I asked a boy whether the pohcemen on the 

 crowded streets used Sign Language. He said, "No!" at 

 least he did not know if they did. 



I rephed: "When the officer on Fifth Avenue wishes to 

 stop all vehicles, what does he do?" 



"He raises his hand, flat with palm forward," was the 

 reply. 



228 



