Description
Cover has normal wear. Pages are clean. Binding is secure. Missing dust jacket.
This well-preserved copy of “Talking Hands: Indian Sign Language” by Aline Amon offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Native American sign languages. Published in 1981, this groundbreaking work was one of the first to shed light on the intricate and expressive sign systems used by various Indigenous tribes across North America. Amon, an anthropologist and linguist, spent years immersing herself in these communities, meticulously documenting their unique gestural vocabularies and the profound role they played in facilitating communication and preserving oral traditions.
Through vivid descriptions and illustrations, Amon’s book unveils the remarkable diversity and complexity of these sign languages, challenging the notion that they were mere rudimentary forms of communication. Readers will gain insights into the cultural significance of these systems, which served not only as practical tools but also as repositories of wisdom, storytelling, and spiritual expression. This volume stands as a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of Native American cultures, and its enduring value makes it a treasured addition to any collection focused on linguistics, anthropology, or Indigenous studies.
