Page:Native Tribes of South-East Australia.djvu/757

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
XI
GESTURE LANGUAGE
731

Far away.—Snap the fingers in the direction indicated (Dieri).[1] Stretch the hand out full length, and snap the fingers (Aldolinga).[2]

Fight.—Hold the two hands as high as the head, as if grasping a weapon, then strike with them in all directions (Dieri).[1]

Feather head-dress.—Hold the hair of the head with one hand, and with the other imitate the action of sticking something into it (Dieri).[1]

Give me.—Hold out the hand at full length, palm up (Wurunjerri). Extend the hand, palm up, and then draw it back (Dieri).[1] Right hand held out at full length, the fingers a little bent (Kuriwalu).[3] Hold out the hands, palm upwards (Eucla).[4]

Glad.—Pat the breasts with both hands several times (Wurunjerri).

Good.—Make a trembling or vibrating motion with both hands, palms inwards, in front of the face, which must have a pleased expression (Dieri).[1] Move the right hand, palm upwards, up and down in front of the body, then point downwards (Aldolinga).[2]

Go away; Go on.—Hand with back to face, moved sharply outwards, in a semicircle to full length of arm (Yantruwunta). The hand is thrown sharply from the breast, palm inwards (Kuriwalu).[3] Hold up the hand in front of the face, palm outwards, and make several quick movements outwards from yourself (Dieri).[5] Point in the direction to go with the second finger of the right hand (Aldolinga).[2] Hold the hand near the face, palm outwards, as if holding something. Then act as if throwing it away (Dieri).[1] Bring arm round to the front of the body, the palm of hand being to self. Then throw it out to person addressed (Mundainbura).[6]

Halt; Stop.—Make a sign with the outstretched right hand, palm downwards, towards the ground, repeat this several times rapidly (Dieri).[1] Rapidly move the right hand from the breast, palm outwards, to the full length upwards,

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Vogelsang.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 Rev. H. Kempe.
  3. 3.0 3.1 J. H. Kirkham.
  4. H. Williams.
  5. S. Gason.
  6. W. Logan.