ADJECTIVES AND ABSTRACT NOUNS
Note : In the sign there is no distinguishing difference, as a rule, between the adjective and the abstract noun. Whether one or the other is meant is determined by the context or the circumstances under which it is used. Comparison is indicated by following the sign for the adjective by a sign indicating the degree, without any pause, thus: For the comparative ("-er"), draw the "A" hand out toward the right side in front, raising it with a slight jerking motion to the height of the shoulder. For the superlative ("-est") make the same motion but carry the hand higher to a level just above the head. For example, in making the sign for "better" the end of the open hand is placed against the mouth and the sign for "good" is made, but before quite finishing it the "A" hand is brought up the side as indicated so that there is no stop made, the whole movement appearing as one sign. To make "than," bring the right hand from the sign of the adjective and degree quick- ly downward, palm down, past the left open hand, held ver- tically edgewise, pointing outward. Good. — Place the end of the palm against the mouth ; then bring it down against the open left hand so the back of the right hand rests in the palm of the left. In common use the latter part of the sign is omitted and the hand is simply thrown forward from the mouth. XII, 228. Bad. — Same position of the hand as in "good;" in bringing the hand away draw it slightly toward the right, turn it palm down and thrown the hand downward. XII, 229. Old. — Place the "S" hand against the end of the chin and with a shaking or trembling motion pull it downward, as if pulling an imaginary beard. XII, 230. Young. — With the open hands in front on a level with the waist-line, palms toward self, make a brushing motion with the ends of the hands against the body, upward, carrying them on away from the body. Eepeat several times. XII, 231.
