THE INDIAN SIGN LANGUAGE by W.P. Clark./1885 / 443 pages.
In 1876 & 1877,
Captain W.P. Clark commanded a detachment of Indian
scouts - including Pawnees, Shoshones, Arapahoes,
Cheyenne’s, Crows, & Sioux - who conversed in
sign language. They made requests, relayed information,
& told stories with their hands, communicating in a
language indispensable for quick understanding between
Indians of different tribes. The scouts patiently taught
Clark the sign system, which he patiently recorded in
this book. Originally written in 1884 for use by the USA
army, The Indian Sign Language is far more than a grammar
book or curiosity. Clark worked closely with the Indians
who taught him the language, and his respect for them
& their way of thinking informs every page. Written
for future officers in Indian regions, The Indian Sign
Language corrects the sentimental & brutal
stereotypes of Indians that led to much misunderstanding.
Clark believed that sign language could assist him
"to think like the Indians," which he
considered essential for a conscientious officer. His
book discusses reliably & soberly the facts of plains
Indian life as he encountered them in the 1870’s
& 1880’s. Now a classic, The Indian Sign
Language is a monument to the desire for understanding
between radically different peoples.
