Journal of Linguistic Anthropology Number 14 Issue 2 A Repertoire of South African Quotable Gestures |
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Gesture Dictionary |
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okay {positive} moja (Is) Thumb points upwards, rest of hand in fist shape. | |
Open the door Bula monyako (S) Hand held out as if grasping the handle of a door and pulled towards gesturer. | |
over there ka daar (Is) Hand makes arc. | |
pay gaafa (Is) Flat hand is drawn along upturned palm of other hand at least twice. Fingers point to the front and the movement is outwards away from the gesturer. | |
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penis (Small penis) Pipi e nyane (S) Thumb and first finger of one hand hold the little finger of the other hand near the tip. Alternatively, a curled little finger is moved up and down. |
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perfect Nca (Is) Tips of first finger and thumb held together placed on lips and then moved outwards as lips make kissing action. |
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phone/telephone bela (Is) Fist with thumb extended upwards and fourth finger extended downwards held at side of head. |
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photograph/camera shoota/khemera (S) Hands as if holding a camera with first finger curved and moved up and down. |
pregnant (She’s pregnant) O spati (Is) One hand, slighly curved, traces a curve in front of the stomach from top to bottom. | |
quiet (Be quiet) Thula (Z) First finger is placed against lips. |
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