John Smith was one of the very few European settlers who learnt the Algonquian language. As the Native Americans separated into groups, their languages became different and eventually there were so many that lots of the tribes could not communicate with their neighbours. So some of them began to use sign language like this. imitate – Indian rub back of – motion of snake hand twice Osage move hands – down back of head Pawnee make V sign Crow hold fist to – – and extend hand forehead, palm out Sioux hand across – neck as if cutting alone right hand to – Nez Percé move – the right finger under nose Cheyenne chop at left index finger – buffalo cannot move finger – along palm and down horse bad make fist then – open downwards moon opposite Illustration by permission of Two-Can Publishing Ltd.
John Smith was one of the very few European settlers who learnt the Algonquian language. As the Native Americans separated into groups, their languages became different and eventually there were so many that lots of the tribes could not communicate with their neighbours. So some of them began to use sign language like this. Indian – rub back of hand twice Crow – hold fist to forehead, palm out Nez Percé – move finger under nose Cheyenne – chop at left index finger Osage – move hands down back of head Sioux – hand across neck as if cutting – imitate motion of snake Pawnee – make V sign and extend hand alone – right hand to the right buffalo cannot – move finger along palm and down horse bad – make fist then open downwards moon opposite Illustration by permission of Two-Can Publishing Ltd.