View sign 'talk'

talk

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Description

There are two distinct signs for this, which are, however, used in different senses. A little talk, a short speech, a few words, or "one person talking to another," would ordinarily be expressed by holding right hand, back up, and slightly to rear, in front of, close to, and a little lower than mouth, hand closed, with nail of index pressing against thumb; move the hand slightly to front, at same time extend index with a snap (the words are thrown out); repeat motion three or four times. This is talking or speaking a little to another person.

For some one else talking: Hold right hand fixed in same way, back out, and snap fingers towards face or ear, hand held well out or opposite right ear; in the latter case rather close to it. A slight sound made at a distance, and only faintly heard, would also be expressed in this way.

For a council, "to speak at length," to "talk a great deal," etc., would be expressed by holding extended right hand, back down, in front of, close to, and a little lower than the mouth, fingers pointing to left; mostly by wrist action move the hand outwards few inches, repreating motion two or three times. This is speaking or talking to some one. To be spoken to or talked to in the above sense: Hold the right hand fixed as above, well out in front about height of chin; move the hand in towards body few inches, mostly by wrist action, repeating motion three or four times. See also COUNCIL.


References: council
Synonyms: converse, little talk, speak, speech, tell

Notes

Clark notes:

To illustrate this sign, and give an idea of the manner of establishing the relative positions of objects: suppose two persons standing and talking to each other. Represent the two persons by the extended index fingers pointing upwards, other fingers and thumbs closed. Suppose the persons were standing twice their height apart, hold the index fingers twice their length apart, and then make the above sign for TALK, holding hand so that words are snapped from the position of the person talking towards the tip of the extended index.

The distinction I have made in the two signs is not always strictly observed, but I am convinced that it is correct, and should be. Sometimes after each of the signs, particularly after the first one, the sign for LITTLE is made. Frequently the first described sign is made with both hands and repeated several times, to denote several persons talking, or one person talking very much.