We use our hands to explore the world around us; to manipulate and change it; to communicate; to signify aggression, submission or gratitude; to comfort or arouse; to make music, craft and create. We point, punch, tweak and text. We ball our fists, spread our palms, give someone the thumbs up and close our hands in prayer.

More than anything else, is it our hands which make us human?

This series considers the human hand from five different angles: manipulation, creativity, gesture, communication and touch. In each programme we hear from people who have a very particular perspective on hands and the way we use them, including a surgeon, a massage therapist, a harpist, a blacksmith and the recipient of a hand transplant. Each of them takes a long look at their own hands, describes what they see and considers the relationship with the world which their hands give them.

As we encounter healing hands, steady hands, talking hands, holding hands and the laying-on of hands we come to understand just how much our hands identify and define us.

Today we explore the ways we use our hands in communication. Hand gestures are a key part of the sign languages used by Deaf people. British Sign Language is as complex as spoken English, with its own grammar and syntax. Dr. Robert Adam, head of BSL at Heriot Watt University, considers how Deaf people learn fluency and ‘diction’ with their hands to create clear, unambiguous communication.

Clear, unambiguous communication is also essential for soldiers. For infantry in combat or observing radio silence, hands are a vital tool. Former Royal Marine Gary Mapletoft talks through the hand signals infantry use in the field to signal information about patrol formations, enemy positions and ambushes. He also reflects on the many other ways a soldier’s hands are used – from handling a weapon in extreme weather conditions to 'knife hands' – a way of pointing which is characteristic of many ex-infantry soldiers.

And, of course, every time we speak we all use our hands, whether it’s the unconscious signals of everyday conversation or the carefully thought-out gestures of actors or public speakers like politicians. Body language expert Allan Pease analyses what we’re saying about ourselves when we gesture with our hands.

Producer: Jeremy Grange

Photograph courtesy of Tim Booth Show less