Editing Manual communication

{{Short description|Communication using hand gestures}}
{{no footnotes|date=June 2012}}
{{one source|date=June 2012}}
[[File:Manual communication.jpg|thumb|Pupils in a traditional classroom situation signal to their teacher that they want to be heard]]
[[File:Understanding in Xian 0546.jpg|thumb|Successful communication between people of different cultures]]
'''Manual communication''' systems use articulation of the hands (hand signs, [[gesture]]s, etc.) to mediate a message between persons. Being expressed manually, they are received visually and sometimes [[tactile signing|tactually]]. When it is the primary form of communication, it may be enhanced by [[body language]] and [[facial expression]]s.

Manual communication is employed in [[sign language]]s and [[manually coded language]]s, though sign languages also possess [[Sign language#Non-manual elements|non-manual elements]]. Other systems of manual communication have been developed for specific purposes, typically in situations where speech is not practical (such as loud environments) or permitted, or where secrecy is desired.

== Examples ==
* [[Charades]]
* [[Diving signal]]s — hand communication methods while [[scuba diving]]
* [[Flag semaphore]]s — telegraphy systems using hand-held flags, other objects, or the hands themselves
* [[Finger counting]]
** [[Chinese number gestures]]
** [[Hand signaling (open outcry)|Open outcry hand signaling]]
* [[Fingerspelling]] or manual alphabets
* [[Gang signal]]s — signs used to signify allegiance to a [[gang]] or local gang branches
* [[Hand signals]] in [[traffic]]
* [[Monastic sign languages]] — symbolic gestural communication used by monastic communities
* [[Rueda de Casino]] — a dance that uses hand motions to "call" other dancers
* [[Tic-tac (horse racing)|Tic-tac]] — a traditional method of hand signs used by bookmakers in [[horse racing]]
* [[U.S. Army hand and arm signals]]

==External links==
* [http://www.lifeprint.com/ ASL Resource Site] Free online lessons, ASL dictionary, and resources for teachers, students, and parents.

{{Gestures}}

[[Category:Human communication]]
[[Category:Gestures]]