Dictionary Of Worldwide Gestures

Dictionary of Worldwide Gestures

The second edition of the Dictionary of Gestures features a new introduction on the nature and function of gestures, substantially enlarged contents, a wider selection of sources, expanded commentary to many gestures, and more illustrations. It describes culturally transmitted gestures from printed and pictorial sources, arranging the descriptions according to the parts of the body executing the respective gestures as well as by their significance. Each entry includes basic bibliographic information, a brief geographical, chronological, or cultural indication of its provenance, and a concise note regarding its use or relationship to other gestures. With an index and a source list that includes the abbreviations used, the Dictionary of Worldwide Gestures will make an excellent addition to public library collections and university and college libraries that support anthropology or cultural studies.

Dictionary of worldwide gestures

Field Guide to Gestures

Finally, a field guide to interpreting more than 100 international gestures, from the wave to the finger, from the shrug to the nod. Here’s easy access to the essential information about common (and some not-so-common) gestures you may encounter at home or abroad. Field Guide to Gestures is organized into handy sections for quick reference when time is of the essence and interpretation is everything. If a man bends his torso forward when meeting you, turn to the “Arrival/Departure” chapter to learn more about the bowing gesture. When the woman at the end of the bar flips her hair and looks your way, turn to the “Mating” chapter to learn just what she’s trying to say. And if your friend has intertwined his index finger and middle fingers as the night’s lottery numbers are being read, go to “No Words Needed” to learn more about the crossed fingers gesture. This practical guide includes more than 100 full-color photographs of the world’s most common gestures, plus cross-referenced descriptions throughout, including historical background and common usage. Helpful step-by-step directions and detailed line drawings teach you how to perform each gesture correctly.