Page:The-sign-language-a-manual-of-signs-2nd-ed.djvu/67

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A MANUAL OF SIGNS
51

Work.—Throw right "A" hand down against the left "A" hand two or three times so that the lower side of right wrist strikes the top side of left wrist. (With both hands in position of "A" throw wrists together.) Same sign followed by "much" signifies "busy." VIII, 182.

Wait on, Serve, etc.—Hold out open hands, palms up, as if holding a tray; move hands from side to side simultaneously, first in one direction, then the other.

Distribute.—Bring the closed hands with ends quietly touching each other before body; throw them outward so each describes a semi-circle in opposite directions, opening the hands, palms up.

Contribute.—Drop into an imaginary receptacle an imaginary coin, first with one hand and then with the other.

Happen.—Bring the "G" hands in front held parallel and pointing out with "G" up; turn the hands with a quick motion so that the forefingers twist inward, bringing the backs of the hands up. The same sign also signifies "accident." IX, 183.

Make.—Hammer the top of one fist with the other two or three times, giving both hands a twisting motion. IX, 184.

Arrange, Put in order.—Bring the open hands out toward the front side, palms toward each other, several inches apart, and ends pointing out; keeping them in same relative position move them along in front of you to the other side, giving them a slight up and down motion. IX, 185.

Ready.—Same as above; then sign for "finished."

Prepare, Get ready.—Express by making sign for "make" and "ready;" or, "arrange" and "before."

Introduce.—Extend one open hand out (palm up) toward the front side and the other hand toward the other side and then bring the hands toward each other. (Each hand represents a person introduced.) The idea of a simple introduction may be expressed by using simply one hand.

Invite.—First touching the left forearm or back of left hand with right palm, the hand is extended out toward an imaginary person, palm up, and then drawn toward you.

Attend, Give attention to.—Place the hands at either side of the head like blinders on a bridle; move the hands forward to indicate that the sight is to be confined within those limits.