CO SINGLE SIGNS. 



as show only one phase or quality of the object signified. The following 

 are the principal forms which they take : 



1. Indication or representation of the object to be described. This is the 

 Indicative division before mentioned. All the signs for "I, myself" given 

 above, are examples, and another is the wetting of the tip of the finger by 

 deaf-mutes to indicate humidity, the species being in the latter case used for 

 the genus. 



2. Drawing the outlines of the object, or more generally a part of the 

 outlines. The Imitative or configurative division of signs reappears in this 

 class and the one following. Example : The above sign for " dog," which 

 conforms to the outline of its head and back. 



3. Imitation of the condition or of the action. 



(a.) Imitation of the condition or state of being. Under this form 

 come nearly all the designations of size and measure. See some under 

 l' Quantity," above. 



(ft.) Imitation of the action, or of activity in connection with the object. 

 Most of the ideas which we express by verbs come in this category, but in 

 sign-language they are as properly substantives or adjectives. They may 

 be Imitative when the action, as of " eating," is simulated in pantomime ; or 

 Operative, as when " walking " is actually performed by taking steps ; or 

 Expressive, as when " grief," " weeping," appears in facial play. 



4. The contact had with the object, or the manner of using it. For "break" 

 an imaginary stick may be snapped and the two parts looked at as if sep- 

 arated. See above signs for "destroyed." (Dodge.) A knife and most other 

 utensils are expressed by their use. 



5. One part taken for the whole, or particular signs made to represent all 

 the signs of an object. 



This class has reference to synecdoche. The Cheyenne sign for " old 

 age " given above is an example. 



6. How an object is produced or prepared. 



Here is metonymy representing the cause for the effect. An example 

 may be found among us when a still wine is indicated by the action of 

 drawing a cork from a bottle, effervescent champagne by cutting the wires, 

 and coffee by the imaginary grinding of the berry. 



