Hiver Sign Language

Hiver Sign Language is primarily used by the Hiver race throughout the Hive Federation polity.

Description (Specifications)

Among Hivers, a combination of arm/tentacle waving and physical contact evolved early to signal various facts -- the presence and location of fertilizer sources, the existence of some threat to the community, and so forth. Paleosophontologists studying the Hivers compare these pre-sentient Hiver exchanges to the communications of Terrestrial bees.

As they developed, the Hiver language became more complex and was adapted to communicating more abstract ideas and concepts. A written language also developed. Initially, it was based on ideograms which imitated much of the limb signal content of the Hiver gesture language, but it later evolved into a precise symbology. Computerized terminals and computer-enhanced input stations produce a hybrid between the written and gestured languages: an animated language display which enables non-Hivers to communicate directly with Hivers. Single keystrokes or short instructions are used to supplement the basic information content by conveying attitudes, background, or emotions. Hivers communicating with non-Hivers generally use a vocal synthesizer which converts Hiver written language into local speech.

The Hivers communicate by making complicated gestures with their prime limb. Every conceivable combination of finger and eyestalk position in three dimensions has a meaning. In such an exchange, parallax could lead to difficulties, so there is a recognized imaginary plane which the speaker defines by twitching its prime limb out and splaying its fingers as wide as they will go. Only hand signals following this gesture and taking place within the boundaries set by it are words. Limbs other than the prime limb can be used for communication, but the gestures requiring eyestalks can't be used, and the vocabulary is therefore limited.

History & Background (Historical Linguistics)

The Hive Federation's primary spoken language is that of the Gurvin race, an early ally/subject of the Hivers.

Worlds & Sectors (Astrography)

This language is primarily in use in the following areas:

• Hive Federation

References & Contributors (Sources)

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