Product Description

The Essential Parenting Guide-NOW COMPLETELY UPDATED AND EXPANDED!

Customer Reviews (12)

basics
Very basic information. If you decide to teach your child ASL, simply buy the Webster's ASL dictionary. CD that was offered for free, was a waste of money (shipping and handling). You have to sit and push "play" to see each sign, after all they are in the book! Child friendly signs can be created by you or your baby.

Great book
I love this book!While very easy to read, it is both informative and interesting.I eagerly await my daughter's arrival so that I can put all that I have learned into practice.My only regret is that I never knew about baby signs when my other 3 girls were babies.I will pass this along to my girls as they become mothers.

Not a quick read and not easy to teach your baby
I have a book called My First Baby Signs and my baby at 11 month quickly learned the signs.It has colorful pictures of a baby doing each sign and pictures of what the sign is referring to.I was so impressed by how fast my baby picked it up that I was excited to teach her more signs.This book was not the right book for what I was looking for.It's fairly big with very few pictures, and all the pictures are small and in black and white.It's something you would need to learn yourself, and then spend the time to teach your child through repetition.The other book she learned the signs on her own so I thought that was pretty cool.This one's just not as easy to use!

Not exactly as expected...
This book is ok.It has some signs in the back, but thought it would have more.

Love This Book
Our son is only eight months old right now, but one of the book testimonials indicated that it's a good time to start teaching him. He's starting to pick up on some of the simpler signs. I'm very excited about this process. ... Read more

Product Description
The perfect guide to signing for everyone!
Never before has learning to sign been so simple and so much fun! Whether you are a teacher or a parent, this lively self-guided book of American Sign Language (ASL) will quickly become your kids' new favorite teacher!
Learn to Sign the Fun Way goes beyond the manual alphabet and teaches the beautiful language of sign—the United States' fourth most pervasive language—in a simple, interactive format. Signers-to-be will discover:
·Great games to make learning ASL an entertaining adventure
·Activities for both the individual and the classroom
·Cool groups of signs that appeal esspecially to kids
·And much more!
Kids love to sign, whether it be to communicate with a hearing-impaired individual or as a "secret" language with their friends. With this illustrated book they'll quickly and easily become signing superstars!
Inside are cool signs for kids, including:
·People signs
·Alphabet and numbers
·Animals
·Food and drinks
·Home signs
·Clothing
·Color
·Sports
·Activity signs
·Thoughts and feelings
·Action signs
·Body parts
·School talk
·Calendar signs
·Silly and fun signs ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Great, fun book!
I teach ASL to kids and adults and use this book. I've used it for years. I am an author and know how important these reviews are....so decided I better write one. Some of the photos and descriptions are wrong....but most are RIGHT on. I LOVE the sentences at the end of each chapter. They are great for small class groups.

too young
This is a great book for a 7th or 8th grader but too young for a 16 year old.The information about this book gives no age it will be suitable for. A nice book for the right age.I am returning it.

Great for Teaching!!
Illustrations are much clearer than in older sign language books.Signs are up-to-date, whereas a book like "The Joy of Signing" contains some antiquated signs.I very much enjoy teaching beginners sign language from this text.Very creative and fun!

Activity and Games
It is excellent sign language book with activity and games to be fun!

The Kids Like It
I teach ASL for high school foreign language credit.My students enjoy the games offered in this book.Good practice sentences for beginners. ... Read more

Product Description

There are approximately 28 million deaf, hard of hearing, and deafened people in the US, according to Gallaudet University, and although not all of them speak American Sign Language (ASL), a visual-spatial language that is used by the deaf community in the United States (and English-speaking parts of Canada), the number of them who do make ASL the fourth most commonly used language in the country!

Now being made available in this affordable trade paper edition, Sign Language for Everyone can be used to reach a new generation of the deaf. For those seeking to establish a ministry to the deaf, or simply to provide ASL translation of sermons, the book-written by Dr. Cathy Rice, using her more than fifty years of experience in working with the hearing-impaired-will be a welcome resource. In addition to the explanation and illustration for each sign, the book covers rules and etiquette to observe when interacting with the deaf.

Customer Reviews (7)

ASL text
This is my favorite, of about 10 books on ASL. The pictures and descriptions are clear and the book is light enough to take on trips.
A little more vocabulary would have been nice.
I am studying ASL on my own after a short time in a group where I lived before a move. Still looking for another group..

Small Bites For the Beginner
This is a very good book that is small enough not to overwhelm a beginner.Also, it is ASL-based with a great explaination of how deaf think (samples of letters written by Deaf individuals are included).Many signs are out-dated, but most of the important ones are the same.You will need another book (or a deaf friend) to explain the signs for the countries listed, as the ones in the book are not used anymore.

There are short lessons followed by practice work such as sentences, songs, and a Bible verse.You might need the help of a deaf friend to check your abilities on this.

This book is a religious book written by a woman who desired to share the Gospel with her deaf child. If you aren't looking for religious sign, don't buy it.It does include many basic conversational words.

I sign and used this book to teach my hearing children.Very good book!!

this was great
I have been looking for the Sign Language for everyone book, it was nice to get the book at such a good price.The book was in nice shape and it arrived in good time.

disappointed in content
I did not realize this book would be so Christian-oriented.I cannot use this in my classroom as a public school teacher.Also, many of the practice phrases are quite strange (For example, "Pretty baby isbad.")

Sign Language for Everyone
Currently, I am leading a Signing class at my church.Using both the videos and book, has helped many who have never been exposed to Sign Language to learn it in a weeks time (depending on their commitment tolearn.)Kathy Rice does a good job describing how to form the signs withhelpful hints on remembering them.However, some of the signs are a littleoutdated, but they are still useful.I would recommend this course videoand book to anyone who would like to begin learning Sign Language. ... Read more

Product Description
The Random House Webster’s Compact American Sign Language Dictionary is a treasury of over 4,500 signs for the novice and experienced user alike. It includes complete descriptions of each sign, plus full-torso illustrations. There is also a subject index for easy reference as well as alternate signs for the same meaning. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

TERRIFIC resource for Signing Students & Teachers!
This may be called the Compact Dictionary, but it is certainly not compact in the way of content (or size, for that matter).

The illustrations are full-torso, making it easier to see the body positioning as well as hand formations and they are clear and easy to understand. Being an early signer myself, and one that is trying to work with children on signing as well, this is very helpful to me.

So far, I have not found any important/common words that I could not look up, and there are even some signs in this book that I am just discovering since it is very thorough. Of course, you would have to understand that there is not a single sign assigned for every word anyway. In that case, they have provided an excellent fingerspelling guide as well.

The preface is very complete including The Nature of Sign Language and the Structure, too, so beginners have additional information beyond just the sign that they find beside the definition.

I think it is complete and easy to use and would definitely recommend it to all levels of ASL users.

Very good
I really like the way this dictionary is setup.You get a definition, a picture showing the sign and an operational description of the sign.

Shane ... Read more

Product Description

Decode ASL with guidance from a Gallaudet University professor and a helpful DVD

Customer Reviews (2)

Good.
Good book.Reminds me of a book that would be used to an actual classroom setting (I am using it for personal).But I like it...very different from my other ASL books.I like that it has quizzes at the end of each chapter.

Great as a supplement to 'sign vocabulary'
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R3SVSPUYMSGC99 ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (7)

Linguistics Book Review
This book was required for my ASL III class. It is not something I would normally read, but it does have interesting information. The book came cellophane wrapped and in perfect condition. Just as stated. Came very quickly too. :-)

Depends on the audience
If you are going to take only one linguistics class, and it has to be on the linguistics of signed languages, then this is an adequate text on the subject. If, however, you are trying to be a little better-rounded, I'd recommend reading a non-sign-specific Intro to linguistics text -- one that covers the basics primarily with spoken languages in mind -- then read the fundamental papers covered in Valli et al.

My reasoning behind this is twofold. First, the general linguistics component of this book is pretty weak, and appears to owe a lot to Language Files. Second, this text was designed for use at Gallaudet University, which seems determined to repeat the sins of other, more traditional programs, only through their particular looking-glass. Most linguistics departments are guilty of working with only half the data, namely the spoken languages of the world, in spite of the fact that signed languages have been acknowledged as fully-fledged languages for decades. Gallaudet's remedy? Only cover the other half of the data. If the goal of a general linguistics course of study is to get a broad picture of Language in its diversity, neither approach is sufficient -- and I would extend that to ASL/English (or ASL/Spanish, etc.) interpreters, as they need to speak and think intelligently about *both* their working languages.

Very good
It was shipped earlier than the date listed on the site. Product is in great condition. Completely no hassle!

Excellent book on the structure of ASL
This is an excellent book to understand the meaning of ASL and to analyze it.It is NOT a how to sign book, it is for those who know ASL at an intermediate level at least.It is a very interesting book and covers ALOT of information, but the homework activities included help absorb the information.It challenges your thinking.

I do suggest that you only read this book if you are really serious about ASL.It is a good book for those learning to be interpreters.

This book goes over the structure of ASL such as the phonological, morphological, syntactic, semantic and sociolinguistic structures.It teaches you how to think critically about ASL linguistics so you can have a better understanding of the structure as well as the history of the language, NOT a history of the people who use the language, but a history of the language itself and its changes from as early as the 1960's, by looking into the research linguists have done and are doing.

Advanced ASL Syntax and Structure Book - Not For Beginners
The Linguistics of American Sign Language explains the morphology and syntax of ASL, not so much the 'how' as the 'why.'This book is useful for the advanced student of ASL, but not particularly helpful for a beginner.The authors, all current or former professors at Gallaudet University, explain in great detail the nuances of American Sign Language.
... Read more

Product Description
The authors of the critically acclaimed Perigee Visual Dictionary of Signing have created a text-and-workbook-in-one, teaching how to use signing as a language. Signing Made Easy offers the first thorough, step-by-step approach to learning sign language, complete with drills and practice exercises. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (26)

great book!!!
this is a great book. my mother is in a beginers class and she needed this book for the class and she told me this book makes it very easy to learn and remember all the signs. now she is teaching me since she learn so fast with the help of this book. its a great buy and amazon shipped it in no time at all. got it in less the 5 day just in time for the next class.

Awesome!!!
This book was easy to follow my daughter picked it up fast. If u r starting to to sign I highly recommend this book. This book is not out of date all the signs in this book r still used and it easy to follow. Thank the book was in great condtion highly recommened .

Used book fits just right
I purchased a used Sign Language book to use at our RV Park here in Texas.Many of the residents are hard of hearing or
deaf, and the book, along with the help of some of the residents, has enabled me to speek with them in sign.The book
was not exactly the same edition as they are using in class, but I have yet to find any difference in my (older) edition
from what they are using in class.If this case, at least, the book is identical except for the cover.

Great shape
Product came in great shape and in a timely fashion. Thank you C.Golden Cape Cod, Ma

Better Books Out There
As a conversational level signer, I had many problems with this book. The edition I have is too old and some of the signs are no longer relevant. The book does not address the issue of ASL versus Signed English/Pidgin Sign at all. If you want to sign with deaf people, this book does not give you the knowledge you need. If you just want to learn new vocabulary there are better books out there. The book lacks advice on how to fingerspell well.


The book wasn't "bad" or "awful." It just had too many drawbacks in today's world where there are so many other options for learningsign language. I wouldn't advise you to purchase this one. ... Read more

Product Description
This dictionary represents the cutting edge in reference for American Sign Language, with a treasury of signs for the novice and experienced user alike.

Its many features include:
over 4,500 signs
complete descriptions of each sign, plus full-torso illustrations separate sections on geographical signs
how numbers are signed in different contexts and the role of finger spelling
a subject index

This dictionary is the only one that makes it easy for you to match the right signs with the right meanings by giving you:
alternate signs for the same meaning, plus different signs for different meanings of the same word
complete definitions that show you which meanings go with which signsover 3,000 cross references to the illustrated signs
... Read more

Customer Reviews (28)

This is one fantastic book!!
If you are trying to learn Aamerican Sign Language this is the book for you!

Book Review
I use this product everyday in my classroom.Easy to understand ans use.Great purchase.

American Sign Language Dictionary
Great book.Large amount of commonly used words.Easily understood pictorial and written discription of how to sign a given word.

Great book for learning to sign!
I am new to sign language.This is a great book to help you and your family learn to sign.

Very helpful...
This is a very helpful for everyone, no matter what you are a hearing or deaf person that taking this book, because it's supporting you to learn a better sign language. I like to have a dictionary with sign language, because I mostly didn't know a each single word that what I have always used a sign word. I now know some words that meanings, I used of it all the time. I hope this is very helpful for you. Good for you, folks. ... Read more

Product Description
More than 3,000 ASL Sign IllustrationsFully Searchable Full-Color DVD Featuring Every SignSpecial ASL Classifier SectionComplete Index of English Synonyms for Every Sign

Created by an unparalleled board of experts led by renowned ASL linguist and poet Clayton Valli, The Gallaudet Dictionary of American Sign Language represents the culmination of more than five years of meticulous assessment and labor. More than 3,000 illustrations arrayed in this volume display the most useful selection of signs to be found in any single ASL reference resource. Each sign illustration, including depictions of fingerspelling when appropriate, incorporates a complete list of English synonyms. A full, alphabetized English index enables users to cross-reference words and signs throughout the entire volume.

The comprehensive introduction lays the groundwork for learning ASL by explaining in plain language the workings of ASL syntax and structure. It also offers examples of idioms and describes the antecedents of ASL, its place in the Deaf community, and its meaning in Deaf culture. This extraordinary reference also provides a special section unique to this volume on ASL classifiers and their use. Readers will find complete descriptions of the various classifiers and examples of how to use these integral facets of ASL.

The full-color DVD included with this dictionary features a diverse group of native ASL signers demonstrating how to form each of the 3,077 signs. Fully searchable, users can view a sign and quickly go to its synonyms. This and the many other exclusive features in The Gallaudet Dictionary of American Sign Language combine to make it the outstanding ASL reference for all instructors, students, and users of ASL.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (28)

ASL Dictionary
The Gaullaudet Dictionary of American Sign LAnguage is an excellent reference for beginners as well as professionals who need to refresh on a few things. The illustrations were very vivid and left no room for error. I would highly reccommend this book!!!

A very useful dictionary for ASL
This resource is excellent for use by someone who is learning deaf language and culture. I am very happy to see the dictionary listed among other Amazon books.All I can add is thank you Amazon.

Excellent classroom and student resource!
I have purchased many ASL dictionaries over the years.There are several that are excellent for teaching beginners as well as more advanced students.I have found that this new dictionary by Gallaudet Press meets the criteria for an excellent resource for new and seasoned signers.I have found that the ease of the pictures were very helpful for my students to comprehend the handshapes and motion of the signs.Moreover, the DVD was very good to show how the signs were made by demonstration.I recommend this dictionary and the wonderful DVD to be used within public schools and college level classrooms!

Excellent dictionary for the novice or the experienced signer
Great book for anyone learning ASL or anyone who already knows ASL.I use it all the time when I have a sign I don't know.Both my children have taken ASL and both of them have used the book.Due to the fact it was put out by Gallaudet University, you can be sure it is a thorough dictionary for ASL.

Great Book
Not everything in the video matches the pictures in the book. Asking HOH to clarify proved that many signs are in flux and it remains personal in styles. Video in Vista needs to be placed in own file manually to run without the CD everytime. ... Read more

Product Description
These durable, Sign2Me® ASL (American Sign Language) Flash Cards (with English, Spanish, and ASL) are designed to make it fun for everyone to expand their signing vocabulary.

The front of each card displays a colorful illustration while the reverse side teaches users how to make the associated sign. Each card contains the ASL illustration for the sign along with the English and Spanish words and phonetic pronunciations, giving the user the three most popular languages used in the United States.

Every pack includes 28 colorful cards and a tri-fold brochure that contains instructions as well as illustrations of the main hand shapes used in making the ASL signs. Each pack comes in a heavy duty storage box. The Quick Start Pack contains beginning signs like: More, Milk, Eat, Apple, Finished and Mommy. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Really works
I used these flash cards with my son while he was a baby and didn't know if he'd get anything out of it.I actually learned the signs and spanish and reviewed them with him, he was doing some of the signs at 9 mos. and spanish words before the age of 2.I didn't force him to sit with me to look at them.I eventually left them in a spot that he could get them out himself to look at and he does.

Who knew?Caricatures don't tell the sign...
3 weeks to receive this product by regular mail.Once I notified Amazon, however, it was on my doorstep in two days.The package was securely wrapped - opening and was sent to lost and re-mailed from the USPS.Once I opened the box, packaged in a nice easy to store and access box - How disappointing!These flash cards "...are designed to make it quick and easy for you and your family to expand your signing vocabulary."Sorry, the caricatures of the words just don't get it!"Bath" sign - a baby with its hand raised, a duck and three little lines around them is supposed to mean bath time.What is the subject here?kid, duck, bubbles?How about a picture of a bathtub and water running... "Mommy" sign - a woman holding a baby in her arms.What's the subject?the woman or the baby?The "help" sign is a caricature of a mischievous little girl pulling a pants leg and pointing to a bottle on a shelf.Terrible!A waste of money.Now the backs of the cards are very well done, showing you how to illustrate the sign... but only good for the teacher.Sign2Me has got to do better than this to sell this product!

Favorite product for signing games/ card index
I often use the Sign2Me flash card series for games we play at home and in the baby sign language classes I teach in Boiling Springs, SC.The cards have adorable pictures on the front for your child to see and associate with the sign you show them (which you can clearly view on the back of the card).The word for the sign is also shown in English and Spanish on the front of the card, so you have the 3 most popular languages in the US and Canada all on one card!The back of the card box shows an index of the signs contained in the box.
Here's an example of one of the games we enjoy playing.There are 5 flash card sets within the series.Each set has a different color for the box/cards.I have a soft dice with a different color on each side, and the colors coordinate with the colors on the flash cards.I lay the flash cards out on the floor in piles, all red in one pile, all blue in another, etc.The child (or mom helping the child) rolls the dice then chooses a card according to the color the dice landed on.We make the sign for that color, then we make the sign that's on that card.This color dice would be very easy to make, or just take a stack of index cards and with the different colors represented by the flash cards, use a crayon to make a 'color blob' on each card.Then have your child choose a card from the index card stack, followed by the coordinating flash card.Easy, fun, and great for teaching colors and signs.This is just one of many games you can use to have fun learning and practicing signs!Be creative and enjoy!

I hope it's ok to do this, but one mom expressed in her review that she wished she could have seen a list of cards that comes with each flash card set.So, here you go...

Quick Start Pack (green)
Apple, Baby, Banana, Bath, Book, Cheese, Cracker, Daddy, Down, Drink, Eat, Finished, Flower, Help, Juice, Milk, More, Mommy, Play, Please, Stop, Thank you, Tree, Up, Water, Where, Which, You

Actions and Opposites (purple)
Again, All Gone, Big, Cold, Cool, Dance, Fun, Go, Hide, Hot, Jump, Little, My, Off, On, Outside, Rain, Rainbow, Sit, Sleep, Snow, Stars, Sun, Swing, Throw, Wait, Warm, Wind

Family, Clothing, and Toileting (orange)
Aunt, Boy, Brother, Change, Clean, Coat, Cousin-f, Cousin-m, Diaper, Dirty, Dress, Dry, Friend, Girl, Good, Grandma, Grandpa, Hat, I Love You, Pants, Share, Shirt, Shoes, Sister, Socks, Toilet, Uncle, Wet

Objects and Emotions (blue)
Airplane, Angry, Ball, Bike, Boat, Bubbles, Bus, Car, Clouds, Cry, Cup, Happy, Hungry, Hurt, Light, Love, Moon, Pet, Pillow, Sad, Scared, Silly, Soap, Sorry, Surprise, Tired, Toes, Train

Animals and Colors (red)
Bee, Bird, Black, Blue, Brown, Cat, Color, Cow, Dog, Duck, Fish, Gray, Green, Hippo, Horse, Monkey, Mouse, Orange, Pink, Purple, Rabbit, Red, Snake, Squirrel, Tiger, White, Worm, Yellow

Hope this helps! ... Read more

Product Description
Presents the American Sign Language handshapes for nouns, verbs, adjectives, pronouns, numbers, and letters. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (21)

Great ASL beginners book
This book is a good book for parents to start their children on the road to ASL.It has wonderful illustrations.I myself had some sign experience and get confused on where to place my hands and directions to go.This book gives a very understandable explanation so when you look at the directional arrows on the illustrations you know what to do.

Signs for me: Basic Sign Vocabulary for Children, Parents, & Teachers
Signs for Me: Basic Sign Vocabulary for Children, Parents & Teachers
After I bought one volume of this text for myself and showed it around, all my adult children (especially my special education teacher-daughter) wanted one! It is an outstanding text for those who find themselves in a responsible position with a deaf child and don't know how to communicate.

Great book for beginners!
I purchased this book after my son's speech teacher sent home the school's copy for our family to use with our son, who is autistic.

The illustrations in this book are very clear in showing the basic sign vocabulary, using little arrows that clearly demonstrate direction and motion of many sign vocabulary words.

I would recommend this book for families who are just learning to communicate with their autistic child. The book is very simple and easy to understand and use.

Nice sign language book for kids
The book is easy to follow and the illustrations very attractive to kids, so they are eager to read and learn. It has the look of a coloring book, which kids love, also. The signs are for the most part accepted ASL signs. It has been very handy (have used to teach 3 children sign language).

Signs for me
I bought this bool to increase my ASL vocabulary to use with my hard of hearing children and it has disapeared! One of my children liked it so much he took it to school to use to teach his main stream teacher. ... Read more

Product Description
Baby sign language has quickly become a national phenomenon garnering significant attention in the media and among child health experts. Simply put, baby sign language provides a way for parents to communicate with their hearing babies before they can speak. By teaching infants a few basic gestures or signs, parents are able to bridge the gap between the gurgling stage and the time when babies are actually able to talk.

This easy-to-follow book illustrates 150 of the most common and useful signs. Signing with your baby not only results in a happier and less frustrated child but, research shows, one who will speak earlier and have a higher IQ.

*150 of the most popular signs
*An express program for quicker results
*Games and activities to make signing more fun
... Read more

Customer Reviews (25)

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Baby Sign Language
I have looked over the book myself (did not have time to read it completely) and was very well pleased with it.I have 2 nieces who have babies, one of whom has a DVD with baby sign language.So, I sent a copy to each one and am waiting for a report regarding how well it is working.One baby is only a month and a half old, so I don't expect to hear too soon.The other baby is 9 months old, and I am sure that he is already learning his first signs.Thank you for a wonderful product.

Easy to read
I liked the simple approach this book has because we don't plan on teaching our baby more then a few of the important signs (Milk, Diaper, Pain, More, Tired ect.).It includes a "crash course" option which I feel would only work for stay at home moms because it involves an intensive 2 weeks of introducing the signs to your baby.We are going to use the longer process because our child is in daycare.My concern is whether it will be effective because you need everyone to participate in teaching the baby the signs while they go through their normal activities.I will have to teach it to the caregivers and hope that they use the signs throughout the day.Overall a good tool for understanding the process.

A MUST HAVE for any parent!!!
Don't let the "Idiots" moniker fool you...this book is amazing!A PERFECT baby shower or new baby gift, and it's not just fluff -- it works!Where else can you spend so little and get so much.A must read and an even better value compared to the other, more expensive books that are just boring and not as effective.Your kids will thank you, even by signing!! :)

Good as a gift.
Overall, I was rather disappointed with this book.I'd definitely recommend something by Joseph Garcia (like this or others: Sign with your Baby - Baby Sign Language (ASL) Kit: Includes Book, How-to DVD, Quick Reference Guide).This book references his work and he does a better job, I thought, of teaching the signs and the how and when.

On the other hand, this book is good to give to someone who hasn't already decided to sign, the first third of the book is devoted to convincing you that signs are good.So, if you're looking for a baby shower gift -- if the mother or father is on the fence or hasn't considered it -- this book would work well for that.

Good, easy to follow book
True to idiots guide fashion, this book is incredibly easy to read and navigate.After this book, the other baby sign books were a waste of time.More information and less complicated. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (29)

The American Sign Language Handshape Dictionary
I am currently taking an ASL course and"The American Sign Language Handshape Dictionary" has helped me learn and look for handshapes by space and location rather than memorizing signs by rote.With both recognition and understanding increased, so also, signing skills have improved.Great Resource!

Definitely Comes In Handy
The new edition has more words and updated signs. As ASL does have different dialectics depending on what part of the country you're in, this book does a nice job of at least giving you the general idea of how to do a sign. The descriptions are easy to follow and understand.

A very helpful ASL dictionary.

The American Sign Language Handshape Dictionary is a great resource for anyone who uses ASL. As the title states, it is a book that is based on handshape, noton English words. This makes it easier to learn words from their origins. Just as the English language has proper spelling and pronunciation, ASL has proper handshape and movement.Each word is categorized based on which one of the 41 handshapes that ASL uses and if it is a one or two hand word.

The thing I like most about this book is that it is very easy to use. There is an index of English glosses in the back that makes looking up specific words quick and painless. The illustrations are also very well done. A lot of ASL books that I have found are hard to follow either because the pictures were too small or there were no other directions on how to form the word. In this dictionary however, the pictures are a good size, and each sign tells what the English equivalent(s) is, the handshape, what direction the hands should be facing, what location the word should be signed at, the movement of the sign, and on certain words the facial expression that should accompany the sign.

Over all, this is the best Sign Language Dictionary I have found, and I plan on using it for a long time to come.

a good book for learning ASL
I found this book very helpful in its unique set up.It arranges the words by handshape, rather than alphabetically, so that one can easily compare similar signs and see the (sometimes very subtle ) differences.I found this much more helpful in learning ASL, which is a visual language,than the typical dictionary set up. There's an index (alphabetically arranged ) in the back , so no problem finding what you want to look up.

ASL Handshape Dictionary
I have many ASL books and Dictionaries, but this is my favorite. I often see a new sign and try to remember it. Later with this dictionary I can find it, when I can only remember the hand shape. It's helping me when I get comfused between like signs.I'm able to practice and learn the differences between them. ... Read more

Product Description
New to Random House Webster's successful American Sign Language reference line: the important medical terms a patient or doctor needs to communicate in ASL, clearly described and illustrated.

Whether in a medical emergency or a routine doctor's visit, it is crucial for medical professionals to communicate effectively with deaf patients. Here at last is an affordable and thorough dictionary of medical terms in American Sign Language, which is needed by the deaf and the medical community alike. Over 1,000 important signs for medical terms, including signs for illnesses, treatments, drugs, and anatomy, are defined in English (to avoid dangerous mix-ups), described with step-by-step instructions for making the sign, and fully illustrated with full-torso drawings in this easy-to-use reference book, the first in a series dedicated to special-interest American Sign Language.
The only affordable medical reference in American Sign Language
Every entry includes full-torso illustrations and clear descriptions of how to make the sign
Includes important medical terms, from anatomy to treatments

... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

American sign language medical dictionary
It is an awsome book.Really good for interpreters going into medical situations. I really enjoy the break down of each sign that defines the word in english.sometimes an English word will take three signs and the book goes through each one.

important tool
This book is invaluable for anyone in the medical field who wants to communicate in sign.The medical term is defined and then how to sign the word is described in words as well as illustrated in diagrams.The diagrams are fairly easy to follow even if you aren't very good at translating things into three dimensions from 2 dimensions.I am very glad I bought this book.

Random House Webster's American Sign Language Medical Dictionary
It came as promised and in a timely manner.

Terminology you need to know!
I have been impressed with Elaine Costello's previous dictionary, so when I heard this book was out I was ready for something great! She did not disappoint. This book uses medical terminology to provide signed translations. I have found these to be very helpful. (In fact it helped me to understand the medical terminology better through the use of signs!) I think this is a must have for any interpreter, and beneficial for many deaf people. ... Read more

Product Description
The Random House Webster’s Unabridged American Sign Language Dictionary is a treasury of over 5,600 signs for the novice and experienced user alike. It includes complete descriptions of each sign, plus full-torso illustrations. There is also a subject index for easy reference as well as alternate signs for the same meaning. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Excellent Resource
Of all the dictionaries I have seen, this seems to be the most concise and the clearest to understand. It goes beyond showing illustrations of signs by describing each step for every sign. Every word is defined, like an English dictionary, it then explains it in the context of ASL, and gives instructions on how to make the sign. Also includes a very helpful introduction to the language and the parts of a sign. Highly recommended.

Best ASL Book
I have purchased several ASL books & dictionaries.This one is my favorite.I think it's the best because it gives you clear explainations that make sense.If there are several signs for the same word, it gives you those too.So if a different sign is normally used in your area, they will probably have it too.It also has the other words that the sign can be used for.One of my Deaf friends really likes it too because it gives clear explainations of the word.
I would greatly recommend this dictionary for anyone learning ASL.Random House Webster's Unabridged American Sign Language Dictionary

Great Resource!!
Random House Webster's Unabridged American Sign Language Dictionary.Complete, cross-referenced, sign variations provided and easy to use.Clear written descriptions on how to form sign-- in addition to sketches!!Signs are current, and acceptable to the Deaf community in my area.Font and type-size are easy to read, even with bifocals.Hard-cover will last longer than paperback.

Not as good as a movie, but better than a pocket guide.
I am embarking on a web-based free course in ASL ([...]). No book compares to this website for learning ASL, taught by Dr. Bill Vicars (a teacher of ASL at California State Sacramento). Dr. Vicars also sells CDs with movies geared to each lesson on the website.The movies are inexpensive, and are an essential tool for learning ASL. Nothing compares to those movies for learning sign, so that is my recommendation if you are just beginning to learn the language.I bought this dictionary because I often forget how a sign is formed, and want to look it up quickly without going to the computer. This is a sturdy, hard-bound dictionary that is big enough to be easy to read, and it has a very large vocabulary listing.You are not going to travel with it.I have no problem understanding the signs in it-they are very nicely illustrated.I find that a drawing works better than a photo for this purpose. There is a standard text definition of each word along with the a good drawing of each sign and a text entry that describes how to form the sign.So far I find that the standard text definition is unnecessary,but even if those were cut, this book would not be small enough to be a pocket guide. I looked at Costello's abridged dictionary for that purpose, but decided that the illustrations were just too small for easy reading. So for a pocket dictionary, I bought the Butterworth and Flodin Perigree Pocket Dictionary of Signing to take with me when I am on the move. See my review of that pocket dictionary-it has some disadvantages.I could not do a lot of comparison shopping for ASL dictionaries when shopping, so there may be better ones out there, but this book is perfectly fine for my purposes.

Great dictionary!
This book is wonderful for any person learning sign language. It is UNabridged and it went extrememly well in receiving the product. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Ah ha! The missing link.
If you're looking at this book, you've probably already studied ASL to some degree and are looking to further develop your signing and/or teaching skills. You surely know that there is a large selection of introductory books on very basic signs, a number of available dictionaries - some barely adequate and some quite good, and a small number of dense, academic works that delve into various aspects of the linguistics of ASL. To me, at least, there seems to be a conspicuous gap: a scant few books go into any depth describing and teaching real-world ASL grammar.

The popular "Learning American Sign Language" skims the surface, and "Grammar, Gesture and Meaning in American Sign Language" goes into substantial depth, but reading this book produced the big "Ah ha!" moment for me. It's not glamorous, not cutting edge, but it doesn't have to be. Instead, it is well structured, includes an appropriate amount of pictures, illustrations, diagrams, etc. to break down the structure of a visual language into manageable pieces so that they can be understood and reassembled into expressions with real meaning and color. The book is on point and useful from the start.

Life is a journey, not a destination, but all the same, I wish I would have just found this book first - at the beginning of my search. I'll bet that you won't be disappointed with this one.

american sign language
This book is exactly what I needed. It came on time. The only thing is there were several pages missing out of in in the center of the book. It looked like it has been rebinded so I guess thats what I get huh!

happy
Deep... ASL as a language, a system for glossing, sentencestructure... just what I needed.

excellent resource for students
I went through an interpreter training program in the early 1980's, and this book was considered our 'bible' for the entire program. It is not meant as a stand-alone for learning ASL, but as an adjunct when taking classes on ASL or enrolled in an interpreter preparation program. Even though it was written many years ago, the content is still salient today and is an important resource on my bookshelf. As a practicing interpreter for 25 years, I frequently look at chapters when I am mentoring someone or forget how to explain something in particular. The information on Deaf culture is especially valuable as well.
The technical nature of the book is akin to explaining the linguistical nature of a spoken language, something critical to anyone learning ASL as a second language. I still see it used in programs today as a means of supplementing classroom lecture information. Only individuals serious about in-depth learning of American Sign Language will appreciate and benefit from this book. It is not fluff; learning the linguistic nature of ANY language requires dedication and time, and this applies to ASL as well. You cannot learn any language from a book, you learn it from associating with native users of that language. This book is excellent to use for the linguistic and theoretical basis for what you see and use when conversing with native users. You will not be disappointed if you use this in conjunction with classes and conversing with Deaf individuals whose native language is ASL. I highly recommend this book. It gives you a well-rounded education in the grammar of ASL in one handy reference. Forget 12 years of taking English classes from 1st. grade until you graduated high school. If you use this book as it is intended, it gives you all that information and more.

Excellent Resource for Teachers & Serious Students
This book is designed for a teacher as part of the "Green Books" American Sign Language series; however, it is a very useful guide to ASL Grammar and Culture for anyone studying American Sign Language seriously (I, myself, am not a teacher, but have a copy of the book).

I was introduced to the book when I first began learning sign language, and it was very confusing to me.I would have benefited, at the time, much better from an ASL dictionary or simpler sign book.My recommendation to those of you who have just begun learning (or would like to learn) ASL would be NOT to buy this book just YET!Start with something less daunting and sophisticated (after all, it is designed for those already familiar with ASL and preparing a class curriculum).

What the book will give you is an excellent explanation of the sociolinguistic nature of American Sign Language--something you typically will not receive from a ASL Dictionary.For example: how sentences are structured, topicilization, rhetorical questions, relative clauses, expression of time, pronominalization, subject and object usage, the use of classifiers, locatives ... to name a few.

All in all, this is a terrifically detailed, well researched, informative and valuable book; yet, not for a beginning student. ... Read more

Product Description
Learn to communicate without words with these authentic signs! Learn over 525 signs developed by the Sioux, Blackfoot, Cheyenne, Arapahoe and other tribes! Written instructions and diagrams show you how to make the words, construct sentences. Book also contains 290 pictographs (language in pictures) of the Sioux and Ojibway tribes.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Great Sign Book
I originally had this book during the late 1970's when I was living in far northwest Montana near Browning, MT in the Blackfeet Indian Reservation.
In my work I had to interact with tribal members quite often.
One day I met an old man of the tribe named Louie Yellow Wolf who couldn't hear much anymore. We had trouble communicating as he couldn't read lips.

I found this book at a used book store in Kalispell, Montana and within a week or two was able to use the signs found in the book fairly well. Indian sign is much more simple than modern sign language for the hearing and speech impaired in use today and can be learned quite easily.

The next time me and the old man met up I said "hello Yellow Wolf" to him in Indian sign language. His eyes lit up. And we "talked sign" for over an hour. He even taught me some slang in sign not found in this book and before long other more elder members of the tribe would come along and get a kick out of watching this novice white guy try using sign. They freely corrected me when I messed up and I can still hear those old men laughing and looking at each other with amusement but they told me in sign talk they were proud of me for learning their unspoken language. Of course most of them spoke english but loved to use the vanishing language.
Using sign can come in handy when you want to be quiet I.E.; hunting, bird watching,fishing, etc.
Not all Native Americans know sign language anymore and most of the signs in the book pertain to the northern/plains tribes but is still an interesting skill to have.
I was happy that Amazon offers this unique book and highly reccomend it.

Good Book
I have learned some sign language from a Native elder and this book is on track with most of what I learned.

Great Visual lesson
This works well for sorting out the more detailed written descriptions in WP Clark's book. The drawings give a good basic visual to the signs & provide a very nice introductory vocabulary.

the indian pics are more intersting than the signs
This book basically has some vocabulary for indian "signs".I am not sure if the real indians even use any of these signs.The old drawings were kind of neat and reminded me of an old schoolbook.

William Tomkins' INDIAN SIGN LANGUAGE
I have had this book laying around for ages. I have taken it for granted really. But when I think about how well it is written and clearly laid out, with an additional picture writing section at the end of the book, it makesme wonder why I don't take better care of it. I'm amazed it's still inprint and CHEAP! Great for kids but also a nice intro for adults as well.Boy Scouts could use this as part of their achievement training. One bigplus is the photographs and anecdotes of William Tomkins and his friends,the Lakota. You can't lose with this book. ... Read more

Product Description
This kit includes:* The Sign, Sing, and Play! Book* Flash Cards for Signing and Games* The "Songs for Little Hands" CD, with

Signing Melodies and Activity GuideWhen it comes to signing with babies, the secret to success is to make signing fun! Using signs in playful and engaging ways gets babies' attention and stimulates their interest in signing like nothing else. The Sign, Sing, and Play Kit contains everything you need to have the most fun ever with signing-- Sign along with the flashcards as you make up a story about the pictures, Sing and sign a song along with the "Songs for Little Hands" music CD by award-winning singer/songwriter Susan Z(an illustrated Sing-and-Sign guide is included), Play a game with your baby from Sign, Sing, and Play, a book of signing games and activities for at home and on the go!Get ready to have fun and watch your baby's signing really take off! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (20)

So Much FUN!!!
My daughter LOVES to dance and sign to these songs. She is 12 months and has a blast! We took the classes with the author, so we already knew most of the songs on here...but I don't think that it would matter if you didn't take the classes. The book that goes with the songs makes it easy for mommy/caregiver to sign along with the songs. My little girl'shands and arms start going crazy when she hears the music. It's waaay FUN, and super cute. Not to mention, you are teaching your little one valuable tools for communication. I think my daughter is happier and more secure in her world because she can communicate with me. She gets really excited when there are opportunities outside of the songs to show me the signs for things. She loves it when I know what she is signing about. I highly recommend this set.

The "Sign, Sing and Play" Kit
I have 3 grandchildren and I am a licensed childcare provider. I first purchased the "Sign, Sing and Play" Kit for my oldest grandson in a department store when he was around 18 months old and then purchased it again for my nephew. Amazed at how quickly the children were learning to sign, I have since purchased 4 more kits for family and friends through Amazon.com, (as I have been unable to find it in stores). My most recent purchase was for my cousin's son, who at 2 years old has yet to start talking. My cousin has informed me that in just a few weeks since receiving their flashcard kit, her son is already starting to sign, but is also starting to say a few words as well. She is soooo excited with his progress and just needed a little help to get them started. (She has also learned most of the signs herself)
I am VERY pleased with this product and will continue to purchase it for anyone that I know! ;) Thank you for a quick delivery too.

Fun!
We love the cd- my daughter giggles and dances along with the music!This kit has everything you need to learn baby singing (for parents and baby), and it's a lot of fun to boot!I think it would be even better paired with a class, but it's definitely better than trying to learn baby signs with just a book.My daughter also loves playing with the flashcards and the box it comes in.She only knows a few signs so far, but she understands what I'm saying and is getting better and better at expressing herself!

Why live without this?
"This kit is combines all the tools you need to keep baby-sign language in everyday life. I spread the flash cards around the house so they would be in context. Some in the bathroom, some in the kitchen, all of the outdoor ones in the stroller.It worked great.After playing the CD every morning during breakast with my son, I learned most of the words and memorized the songs.Singing them during various daily activities like diaper changing and bathtime not only captivated my busy toddler, but effectively taught him the accompanying signs. Now, he does them before I do! Now that he is also talking, he can express himself very clearly and with minimal frustration.
Highly recommend!!! -Laura

Great for learning to sign!
This kit comes with everything you need to learn to sign! I chose a few flashcards of things I wanted to learn and put them by my bed to review them. It makes it so easy to learn! When my baby is a little older we will start using the cd and more signs. I would recommend this to anyone wanting to learn to sign! ... Read more

Product Description
This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery. ... Read more