Albert Her Many Horses
29 May 2007
Plains Indian Sign Language
Before any European explorer could make any impact on
the American ways of communication the only way that
tribes with different languages could communicate would
be to use sign language. The Native Americans were the
first American signers. Since the Indians of the
southwest do not use signing it used mostly by the
Plains Indians. The Plains Indians sign language allowed
the explorers to communicate with the Native Americans
because it was universally used among the Native
Americans. This way of communication allowed the
settlers and military to communicate with the Native
Americans.
The Plains Indians created this form of sign
language to communicate among the tribes that have
different languages. (Berke) Since one tribe held no
power over another tribe one language could not become
one common language. (Indian) Another reason is signing
is easier than having a spoken language. (Indian) Many
tribes use this form of sign language, but none use as
well as the Kiowa. The Kiowa is a southern tribe that
returned from Mexico with this form of communication.
Comanche, Kiowa, Apaches, Caddo, Gros Ventres, Snakes,
Crows, Pawnees, Osages, Arickarees, Nez Perces,
Cherokees, Choctaws, Chickasaws, Sacs and Foxes,
Pottawattomies have all been reported to have used this
kind of sign language. (Tomkins)
These signs were imitations of what the thing does or
looks like. The gestures made by these signers were much
broader than the American Sign Language (ASL) signers.
The Plains Indian signs use the whole arm rather than
just a finger like the ASL. Plains Indian signs can be
read from a further distance. (University)
Native Americans used this sign language to communicate
with the early explorers such as Christopher Columbus
and Coronado. They made this form of communication so
easily understandable that Coronado had this to say:
"That they were very intelligent is evident from the
fact that although they conversed by means of signs,
they made themselves understood so well that there
was no need of an interpreter."
"They are kind people and not cruel, they are
faithful, they are able to make themselves very well
understood by means of signs."
-Coronado
In 1528 Cabeca de Vaca, a Spanish explorer, was able
to travel through Texas and Mexico without any
problems with asking and answering questions because
of the Plains Indian sign language. (Tomkins)
To preserve the Plains Indian Sign Language a
conference was held in September 4-6, 1930. The US
government sponsored this conference. There were
representatives from 14 different tribes. In this
conference the government made a video containing
stories from each tribal representative. (Univeristy)
There have been many great explorers that have used
the Plains Indian Sign Language. Among these
explorers are Christopher Columbus, Coronado, Cabeca
de Vaca. Interpreters such as Mr. Ben Clark of Fort
Reno used this type of sign language. Many military
officers have been known to use Plains Indian sign
language. (Tomkins) Col. Richard Dodge, Gen Hugh
Scott, Captain John Smith are the names of some of
these many officers. (University)
In conclusion to this research paper the Plains
Indian sign language allowed the explorers to
communicate with the Native Americans on their
journeys. The Plains Indian sign language was used
by most of the Native American tribes and was easy
to understand. Explorers and military officers have
both been known to use this form of sign language.
References:
Tomkins, William. "Sign History." Inquiry.net. 1 May
2005. 26 May 2007.
<http://www.inquiry.net/outdoor/native/sign/history.htm>
Berke, Jamie. "Sign Language - Indian Sign
Language." About.com. 26 Jan. 2007. 26 May 2007.
<http://www.answers.com/topic/indian-sign-language>
University Libraries. "PLAINS INDIAN SIGN LANGUAGE."
blib.buffalo.edu. 21 Jan. 2003. University at
Buffalo - The State University of New York. 27 May
2007.
<http://ublib.buffalo.edu/libraries/e-resources/ebooks/records/7132.html>
"Indian Sign Language." Answers.com. The US History
Encyclopedia. 27 May 2007. <http://deafness.about.com/cs/signfeats2/a/indiansign.htm>