signal

Communication. 1. From Latin signalis ("sign"), an "indicator, such as a gesture or colored light, that serves as a means of communication" (Soukhanov 1992:1678). 2. In biology, "any behavior that conveys information from one individual to another, regardless of whether it serves other functions as well" (Wilson 1975:595). 3. Any type of sign used to inform as to what may happen next (e.g., a hand-behind-head gesture signals that a listener may argue with a speaker's point of view).

Chinese lanterns. The color, glow, placement, and shape of a Chinese paper lantern signals good luck, birth, death, long life, marriage, sickness, and other symbolic messages in neighborhood alleys of Beijing, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. A plump, bright red lantern (deng) betokens good luck; it's roundness recalls the rounded shape of yuan (money). The vitality and energy of redness also signals a birth or marriage. A blue lantern, in contrast, signals sickness by suggesting energy in decline. Two white lanterns signal death and mourning in a household. Chinese lanterns have been used as signals since 250 B.C.

Emergency signaling. The three most critical features of emergency signals, according to the 336th Training Group's Survival School at Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane, Washington, USA, are size, contrast, and movement. As one Survival School expert said, "We don't have a few ribbons tied up to attract attention, we have a big space blanket hanging from the trees to move in the breeze and reflect light in contrast with the dark green forest" (Spokesman-Review, February 7, 2010, p. C11).

RESEARCH REPORT: As nonverbal signs help us understand intentions, feelings, and moods, they may become more conspicuous through a process of ritualization (Huxley 1923; e.g., in greeting rituals, the smile is a universal signal of friendly intent).

See also CUE.

HAND SIGNAL

Manual sign. So expressive are human hands that we have created diverse specialized signal systems for use in a spectrum of activities, occupations and situations (see HAND). That human beings use hand-and-arm (i.e., pectoral) gestures to send nonverbal messages is rooted in incredibly ancient neurocircuits of the posterior hindbrain and anterior spinal cord (Bass and Chagnaud 2012).

Army / Police. The army (e.g., SWAT) teams and police make use of a wide range of signals. For example, the 'Ok gesture' (which involves making a zero between thumb and index finger) is used to signal 'I understand', hand up to ear signals 'listen' and the closed fist is used to say 'freeze'.

Basketball. Basketball referees make wide use of sign language. For example, rotating the fists indicates 'travelling' and hands over the head with extended thumbs indicates 'jump ball'. Open palm of one hand supported by open palm of another hand at 90-degree angle indicates time-out.

Diving. Divers also make extensive use of sign language. For example, an opened hand with palm facing the other diver(s) indicates stop. A pointed index finger which is being moved in a circle (with the rest of the hand closed) indicates 'turn around'. An extended arm with clenched fist indicates 'danger'.

Fire Fighters. Fire fighters who are attached to a search line make use of the OATH method of communication which involves tugs as follows: one tug represents "O" which means "Okay," two tugs represents "A" meaning "Advance," three tugs represents "T" meaning "Take-up Slack" and four tugs represents "H" for "Help".

Navy. On naval aircraft carriers, officers frequently use hand signals (e.g., touching the hands to the deck and then pointing straight is a signal to launch, while fists indicate "brakes on" and open hands mean "brakes off").

Soccer. Referees use a wide range of signals. For example, when both arms are swung forward and upward, this means advantage. Hands pointing to the penalty spot indicates a penalty, a whistle accompanied by a vertically raised arm indicates offside.

See also SIGN LANGUAGE.

(John White)

Copyright 1998 - 2020 (David B. Givens & John White / Center for Nonverbal Studies)