Hand Signals: Difference between revisions
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Any situation where characters communicate with gestures and motions, usually of the hands, as opposed to using voices. This is often done specifically to avoid speaking, either because somebody present is unable to hear or comprehend a given language, or because the characters are sneaking and cannot make noise. American Sign Language (and those Sign Languages that are not American) is perhaps the perfect example, allowing deaf individuals to communicate with one another through the use of sight rather than hearing.
This trope is frequently played for laughs, usually through [[Lampshade Hanging]]. Instances include a character [[Nonverbal Miscommunication|misunderstanding a signal]], thinking a character is gesturing meaninglessly when they are attempting to frantically make themselves understood, and the gratuitous use of hand signals when they aren't required.
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* In ''[[Team America: World Police]]'', Garry is about to infiltrate a terrorist cell. He is asked if he remembers the signal he should give if he's in trouble, and responds by waving his arms over his head and pantomiming screaming in terror. This is apparently the correct answer.
* Seth Rogen's character in ''[[The 40-Year-Old Virgin]]'' replies to the title character's description of his weekend by making a gun with one hand and firing it into the side of his head, then spreading his other hand quickly on the opposite side to indicate the resulting gore spatter. It was pretty graphic.
* ''[[Predator]]''. Dutch and the members of his hostage rescue team use
* Spoofed in ''[[Johnny English]]'': The titular secret agent and his subordinate are sneaking through a parking lot after being shot at. He doesn't want to risk giving away his position, so he tries to use hand signals to tell Baugh to move up one floor and cover that area. But due to Johnny being quite incompetent, he makes several sequences of silly gestures before he gives up and just whispers "You. Upstairs." while pointing.
* ''[[The Matrix]]''. As the Agents and some police approach Neo's cubicle, Agent Smith gives a hand sign to the police to move down another path.
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** And by extension, there is of course the signals (established around [[WW 1]]) which indicate the direction of the enemy, the distance to the enemy, and the amount or type of enemies. With such rapid movements from the CO, a quick offensive action could be carried out by the squad, even if the enemy came form behind. Such signals can (and were) even be carried out using rifles, swagger sticks, walking sticks and umbrellas.
** Police and SWAT teams often use the same or similar signals to avoid tipping off suspects during raids or situations where announcing their presence would likely result in the suspect bolting or opening fire.
* Baseball players and coaches communicate in hand
* The hand signals used by cyclists are also standard practice for motorists to use when their cars' turn signals are for some reason non-functional. Therefore, you will be most likely required to know them for a [[Driving Test]].
* Many types of animals are trained with hand signals. One well known example is the use of signals with whales or dolphins. Signals and signs are also used with deaf dogs. Horseback riders use a variant,touch signals, in Dressage.
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