Sign Language

Mr. Ivan Petroff presents a unique account of the use of sign language among Alaskan natives, countering the common belief that such a communication method did not exist. In September 1866, two unfamiliar Indians arrived in the Kenaitze territory, unable to communicate verbally with the locals. An elderly chief, Chatidoolts, facilitated a dialogue through signs and gestures, demonstrating that despite the dominance of spoken languages, a form of sign language was employed for intertribal communication. Petroff meticulously documented this interaction, highlighting its cultural significance.

The notion that there is a singular North American sign language overlooks the diversity and distinctiveness of signs among various tribes. This post critiques the idea of averaging signs, arguing that it disregards essential variations. It asserts that signs evolve from natural pantomime and adapt to cultural contexts, with many signs differing even among tribes in proximity. The complexities of communication, based on mutual understanding rather than uniformity, highlight that while there may be shared gestures, each tribe possesses unique expressions reflective of their identity and experience.

The post emphasizes the distinction between signs and symbols, particularly in the context of North American Indian sign languages. It argues that while signs may serve as emblems, they do not possess the complex, abstract nature necessary to be classified as symbols. The author criticizes the tendency to misinterpret Native American signs through a symbolic lens, leading to misguided and mystic interpretations. Instead, such signs should be understood as descriptive or mnemonic representations rather than as intricate symbols with deep metaphysical significance.

Sign language exhibits diverse dialects across tribes, influenced by individual creativity and cultural traditions. These variations can be categorized based on synonyms, differing significations, and subtle form distinctions. Synonyms in signs reflect slight differences in meaning, while the same sign can have multiple interpretations depending on context. The concept of “symmorphs” illustrates how signs can convey different ideas while sharing similar forms. Overall, the complexity of sign language arises from its inherent flexibility and adaptability, leading to a rich tapestry of communication methods across cultures.

The interaction between North American Indians and deaf-mutes highlights the shared communicative principles of sign language. At the Pennsylvania Institution for the Deaf and Dumb in 1873, various tribes, including the Absaroka and Ute, demonstrated a mutual understanding through gestures, despite initial differences in signs. Notably, the deaf-mutes excelled in pantomime, successfully conveying ideas and narratives. This exchange revealed a shared gestural language, suggesting that the sign languages of Indians and deaf-mutes are dialects of a broader “gesture speech of mankind.

The author explores the process of sign abbreviation and its implications for understanding sign language, particularly through an example involving a Cheyenne attempting to convey “old man.” The use of descriptive signs leads to effective communication, which eventually becomes more abbreviated and conventional. Colonel Dodge illustrates this with various signs, noting that skilled individuals can further simplify gestures. This natural tendency toward abbreviation can obscure the original meanings of signs over generations, reflecting the evolution of sign languages among cultures, including the Plains Indians.