The Language of the Fan
Long ago, and even within Robert Jordan's world, fans were used by Saldaean women to communicate a Lady's thoughts graciously; they were used for more than just accessories to a woman's attire. Below are some of the meanings associated with the Language of the Fan. As you will see some meanings are dependent upon the situation and context. Saldaean men do know the meanings of these signals.
Carrying it in the left hand: desirous of an acquaintance
Carrying it in the right hand: you are too willing
Carrying it in the right hand in front of the face: follow me
Closing it: I wish to speak to you
Drawing it across the cheek: I love you
Drawing it across the eyes: I am sorry
Drawing it across the forehead: we are being watched
Drawing it through the hand: I hate you
Dropping it: we will be friends
Fan with the left hand in front of the face: leave me
Fanning fast: I am engaged
Fanning slow: I am married
Letting it rest on the left cheek: no
Letting it rest on the right cheek: yes
Open and shut: you are cruel
Open wide: wait for me
Placing it on the right ear: you have changed
Shut: I have changed
Twirling it on the left hand: I love another
With handle to the lips: You may kiss me
If a lady appears at the balcony, slowly fanning her face, then she shuts the balcony. This means 'I can't go out'.
If she does it excitedly, not shutting the balcony: 'I'll go out soon'.
Resting the fan on her lips: ; 'I don't trust you'.
Fanning herself with her left hand: ; 'Don't flirt with that woman'.
Running her fingers through the ribs: ; 'I want to talk to you'.
Fanning herself slowly: ; 'Don't waste your time, I don't care about you'.
Fanning herself quickly: ; 'I love you so much'.
Moving her hair away from her forehead: ; 'Don't forget me'.
Passing the fan from hand to hand: ; 'I see that you are looking at another woman'.
Hitting her hand's palm: ; 'Love me'.
Carrying the fan closed and hanging from her left hand: ; 'I'm engaged'.
Carrying the fan closed and hanging from her right hand: ; 'I want to be engaged'.
Closing the fan quickly and impetuously: ; 'I'm jealous'.
Dropping the fan: ; 'I belong to you'.
Resting the fan on her heart: ; 'My love for you makes me suffer'.
Half-opened the fan over her face: ; 'We are being watched over'.
Hitting any object: ; 'I'm impatient'.
Hiding the sunlight: ; 'You're ugly'.
Looking closely at the painting: ; 'I like you".
Number Of Sticks Shown Answer The Question: at what hour
Half-Opened Fan Pressed To The Lips: you may kiss me
Hold Open Fan Over Head: I must avoid you
Covering Left Ear With An Open Fan: do not betray our secret
Hiding The Eyes Behind An Open Fan: I love you
Right Hand; Fan In Front Of Face: Follow me
Left Hand; Fan In Front Of Face: I am desirous of your acquaintance
Open Fan Placed Near The Heart: You have won my love
Hands Clasped Together Holding An Open Fan: Forgive me
Shutting A Fully Opened Fan Slowly: I promise to marry you
Opening And Closing The Fan Several Times: You are cruel
Fanning Slowly: I am married
Fanning Quickly: I am engaged
Carrying The Open Fan In The Right Hand: you are too willing
Carrying The Open Fan In The Left Hand: come and talk to me
Open Fan Wide: wait for me
Quick Brushing Away Movements, Fan Pointing Downward, Back Of The Hand On Top: I do not love you
Hold The Fan Palm Uppermost, Extend Toward Other Person: you are welcome
Drop Open Fan: we’ll be friends
Drawing Closed Fan Across The Forehead: you have changed
Closed Fan Behind The Head With Finger Extended: goodbye
Closed Fan Behind The Head: do not forget me
Fan Held Over Left Ear: I wish to get rid of you
Closed Fan Touching The Right Eye: when may I be allowed to see you
Drawing The Fan Across The Eyes: I am sorry
Closed Fan; Touch Tip To Lips: hush
Closed Fan Handle To The Lips: kiss me
Yawn Behind Closed Fan: go away you’re boring me
Closed Fan Rest On The Right Cheek: yes
Closed Fan Rest On The Left Cheek: no
Drawing Closed Fan Across The Cheek: I love you
Point Closed Fan To Heart: I love you
Drawing Closed Fan Through The Hand: I hate you
Gaze Pensively At Closed Fan: do you misunderstand me
Presenting The Fan Shut: do you love me
Wave Closed Fan: I will miss you
Threatening Movements With A Fan Closed: do not be so imprudent
Touching Finger To The Tip Of The Closed Fan: I wish to speak to you
Twirling Closed Fan In The Left Hand: we are being watched
Twirling Closed Fan In The Right Hand: I love another
