Q. mátengwië n. “language of the hands” (Category: Gesture-code)
The Quenya term for sign language, literally “language of the hands” (VT47/9). It is a compound of má “hand” and tengwië “language (*signing)”.
Conceptual Development: Tolkien first wrote, then rejected, the word Málambe for this term (VT47/23). As pointed out by the editors of the article (@@@ give names), the term lambë was associated with vocal languages, and therefore inappropriate for signing with hands.
References ✧ VT47/9, 23
Glosses
Variations
Changes
Elements
| má | “hand” | |
| #tengwië | “reading; language (*signing)” | ✧ VT47/23 |