Explore Native American culture and learn Hand Talk, also known as Plains Indian Sign Language, Plains Sign Talk, and First Nation Sign Language.

In Talking with Hands, professional Native American dancer, storyteller, and educator Mike Pahsetopah reveals the beauty of Plains Indian Sign Language, which was once used as a common language between the Indigenous peoples of the region now generally known as the Great Plains of North America. The language was used for trade, but also for storytelling and by the Deaf community, making it a very common and useful tool in society. Today, only a few native speakers remain.

This beautifully designed book makes practicing Plains Indian Sign Language easy and engaging. Learn the proper positions and motions of this now-rare language with photos and descriptions throughout the pages. Follow along with diagrams to perfect your abilities.

Learn how to use your hands to convey the meanings of over 200 common words. In this detailed guide, you will learn to sign words like:
  Hungry Camp Evening Angry Fire Owl Together Brave And more
Honor and carry on the culture of the Plains peoples by learning the sign language they shared.

A Brief History of Hand Talk
Personal Reflections on Hand Talk
Basics Using One Finger
Counting Up to One Hundred
Time & Tenses
Celestial Bodies
Time of Day
Seasons
Years & Age
Weather
Animals
Earth
Family
Directions
Action Words
Health
Time to Eat
Modern Life
Descriptions
Emotions
Questions
Basic Phrases
Council Meetings
References
Photo Credits
Index
Acknowledgments
About the Author