Sign talk

"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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