Quenya 

mátengwië

noun. language of the hands

The Quenya term for sign language, literally “language of the hands” (VT47/9). It is a compound of “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.

Quenya [VT47/09; VT47/23] Group: Eldamo. Published by