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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 2 3 4 5 6 7 Vogelsang.
  2. 1 2 3 Rev. H. Kempe.
  3. 1 2 J. H. Kirkham.
  4. H. Williams.
  5. S. Gason.
  6. W. Logan.
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