Democratic Sentinel, Volume 17, Number 41, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 October 1893 — Queer Language. [ARTICLE]

Queer Language.

Another queer language is the finger-speech, as it may be called, of Oriental traders. It is largely employed on the east coast of Africa. The parties engaged in conversation by this method clasp each other’s hand beneath the capacious sleeve worn in the East. If they are wearing garments without sleeves, then one will unroll his turban, and under the folds of it they will carry on the bargaining in which they are engaged. The reason for adopting this secret Intercourse is simple. In the East, all business is transacted in the open air. The idle bystanders have a good deal to say, and are free with advice to both buyer and seller. The etiquette of the country requires tha( advice so given be thankfully received. It would become a great hindrance to trade were it not for some device to keep negotiations private.