Shishībo (/ˈʃɪʃiːboʊ̯/)
Shishībo (shortened from shishībal voboda /ˈʃɪʃiːbɒl.voʊ̯ˈboʊ̯dɒ/, literally finger talk), is the name given a form of sign language used by the Dīdnalash and Voshan Dīdnalash, the city and palace guard of Īyonī. It was introduced to the elite forces of Īyonī by Voshan naqī Shanai.
Created for a military force, finger talk was originally geared toward communicating silently while performing missions. However, over the years, it has gained much more use within the Voshan Dīdnalash. In some areas of communication, it can be more nuanced than traditional spoken language. With a few subtle changes in hand position, an elite soldier can indicate to allies those in the room that are actively hostile, those which are most physically dangerous, those most magically dangerous, and those which are most psychologically dangerous. The language is still primarily appropriate for military active duty use, with very little in the way of social, academic, or recreational vocabulary.
There are two types of shishibo: near (tībī) and far (dovi). Tībī is useful for close and near quarters use, involving just the hands and fingers. Dovi is used for more distant use, across a room or across a battle field. While there are two terms, the use of the two styles is more of a continuous gradient. The further the targeted observer is away, the more of dovi is used. The closer the target, the more tībī is used.
The basics of Shishībo is taught early on the initial training of a new didnal. As they progress, they are trained more in it.
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