Hand talk : sign language among American Indian nations / Jeffrey Edward Davis.
Davis, Jeffrey Edward, 1953-
2010
E98.S5 D38 2010 (Mapit)
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Title Hand talk : sign language among American Indian nations / Jeffrey Edward Davis.
Author Davis, Jeffrey Edward, 1953-
ISBN 9780521690300 (pbk.)
0521690307 (pbk.)
9780521870108
0521870100
Imprint New York, NY : Cambridge University Press, 2010.
Language English
Description xxix, 244 p. : ill., maps ; 23 cm.
Call Number E98.S5 D38 2010
Dewey Decimal Classification 419/.54
Summary "American Indian nations of the Great Plains and cultural groups bordering this geographic area spoke so many different languages that verbal communication between them was difficult. As extensive trade networks developed and political alliances became necessary, an elegant language of the hands developed that cut across spoken language barriers. Though now endangered, this sign language continues to serve a vital role in traditional storytelling, rituals, legends, prayers, conversational narratives, and as a primary language of American Indians who are deaf. This volume contains the most current descriptions of all levels of the language from phonology to discourse, as well as comparisons with other sign languages. This is the first work of its kind to be produced in more than a century, and is intended for students of sign language as well as those wishing to learn more about American Indian languages and cultures"-- Provided by publisher.
Bibliography, etc. Note Includes bibliographical references and index.
Record Appears in On-Campus Resources > Books
All Resources
The language landscape
Earliest historical linguistic accounts
A national treasure
Early sign language studies
The spectrum of discourse: from ceremonial to conversational
The convergence of anthropology and linguistics
Comparative studies of historical linguistic relatedness
Linguistic analysis of PISL
Conclusions
Appendices
1. Myths about sign language
2. Sample annotations of signs featured in the illustrations
3. Introductions to films of the 1930 Indian Sign Language Council: translations.

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