# The Sign Language/Chapter 18

MISCELLANEOUS
Why.—Place the end of the open right hand on the head, above the right eye; bring it forward and downward, the hand as it drops assuming "Y" position. XXII, 393.
Because.—Place the end of the forefinger of the right "L" hand at the forehead, above the right eye; draw the hand away to the side, assuming the position of "A," and then raise the hand on a level with the top of the head. The hand is sometimes given a peculiar twisting motion. XXII, 394.
As.—With the forefingers of the "G" hands extending outward, place the hands over toward the right, parallel, and then carry them over to the left side where they assume a similar position.
If, Whether.—Bring the "F" hands up in front and balance them up and down like the pans of a pair of scales. XXI, 395.
Proportion.—Same as in "as" but use the "P" hands.
Money.—Strike the left open palm with the back of the right "&" hand several times. XXII, 396.
Bills.—Draw the left hand edgewise between the thumb and fingers of the right hand. This sign also signifies "Dollars." XXII, 397.
Very.—Place the "V" hands near together, palm to palm, and draw apart toward the sides. XXII, 398.
Policeman.—Place the right "C" hand to the left side in position of policeman's star.
Jail.—Cross the fingers of the right "4" hand across those of the left.
House.—Place the ends of the open hands together in the shape of a roof. XXII, 399.
Town, City.—Repeat the sign for "house" a number of times, moving the hands here and there or from side to side.
Things.—Placing the right "&" hand over toward the left, palm up, draw it toward the right, dropping the hand continuously.
Bone (or anything hard like porcelain, etc).—Strike the front teeth with the end of the forefinger of the right hand.
​Dish.—Sign for "bone," then with the ends of the hands together draw them toward self in a curve, bringing the heels together and thus indicating the round shape of a dish.
Knife.—Whittle against the left forefinger with the right "H" hand.
Fork.—Make a fork with the right "V" hand and "stab" it against the left palm.
Spoon.—Imitate the use of a spoon with the right "H" hand.
Road.—Holding the open hands palm to palm and pointing forward, carry them forward as if they represented the sides of a road.
Fence.—Lock the ends of the "5" hands and place at the side, then draw apart.
Rubber.—Strike the upper teeth from below with the end of the thumb of the right "A" hand, carrying the hand outward.
Watch.—Make motion of drawing a watch from the pocket and carrying it to the ear.
Democrat.—Shake the right "D" hand.
Republican.—Shake the right "R" hand.
Room.—Represent the four sides of a room, first by placing the hands on opposite sides, and then opposite in front; in the first the hands are palm to palm and in the last the palm of the right, being farthest out, is toward the back of the left.
List.—With the open left hand as a paper or pad strike it with the end of the open right hand, first at the top and repeatedly farther down each time, representing a number of things put down or inventoried.
Chair.—Point the forefingers of the "G" hands down, holding the hands apart the distance of the legs; carry the hands back and represent the hind legs and then sign "sit."
Table.—Same, but finish by drawing the hands, palms down, apart to represent the top of a table.
Key.—Twist the crooked forefinger of the right "G" hand in the center of the left palm.
Soap.—Draw the end of the right open hand downward against the palm of the open left.
Humbug, Impostor.—Place the bent hands one against the back of the other in front, palms toward self, and bend both hands together downward, bending from the knuckle joints. XXII, 400.
​Door.—Place the open hands edge to edge, pointing upward; swing the right hand away from the left and bring it back again.
Flag.—Hold the right forearm pointing up, supported on the left hand, and bending the hand from the wrist, wave it.
Basket.—Placing the right "G" hand under the wrist of the left, carry it in a semi-circle to the elbow.
Fire.—Holding the bent hands, fingers pointing upward, move first one hand and then the other upward, wiggle the fingers, thus representing the flames. IX, 194.
Hay.—Push the right "4" hand upward in front of or against the mouth.
Barn.—Sign "hay house," or "horse house."
Deaf-mute.—Place the end of the forefinger of the right "G" hand at the right ear and then carry it around and place it against the mouth. XXII, 401.
Principle.—Throw the right "P" hand against the upheld palm of the open left hand. XXII, 406.
Conscience.—Holding the right "G" hand just above the right side of the head, end of finger pointing toward the right temple, let the hand drop toward the head but not touching it. Repeat several times. XXII, 408.
Machine.—Lock the fingers of the bent "C" hands in imitation of the cogs of corresponding wheels and rock them together several times in imitation of wheels turning together. XXII, 409.
Personal signs.—Signs are frequently given to individuals, which in conversation are used instead of spelling out the person's name. The following will suffice for illustrations.
Rev. T. H. Gallaudet.—Place the "G" hand at the right eye, the forefinger above and the thumb immediately below; draw the hand away toward the right and as the hand leaves the head bring the ends of the forefinger and thumb together. XXII, 411.
Dr. E. M. Gallaudet.—Place the right "M" hand against the left side of the chest near the shoulder, the ends of the fingers touching the body; draw the hand to the right side of the chest to a similar position. XXII, 412.
Plate XXII.