Signing for Dummies

By Adan R. Penilla II and Angela Lee Taylor

Book Overview

American Sign Language (ASL) is something we've all seen Deaf people use in restaurants, hospitals, airports, and throughout the marketplace. The communication is fascinating to watch; to see people sharing ideas by using handshapes and body language is remarkable in a world so defined by sound. Signing For Dummies gives you a general understanding of the properties of Sign, as well as an understanding of Deaf culture. Designed to act as an introduction or a refresher, the book focuses solely on ASL. Although certainly not the only form of Sign Language, ASL is the most popular in the Deaf community within the United States. Categorized by subject, this illustrated guide covers grammar and sentence structure, along with the tools to get you going in basic conversation by knowing how to Introduce and greet people Ask questions and make small talk Order food and chat with salespeople Handle medical emergencies Talk on the phone Get around town for fun or business Although "speaking" American Sign Language (ASL) is mostly a matter of using your fingers, hands, and arms, facial expression and body language are important and sometimes crucial for understanding Signs and their meaning. Signing For Dummies gets the whole body into the action as the fun-to-read resource explores Signs that look like what they mean Expression of emotions and feelings Signing sports and weather Compass points conversations: Getting or giving directions Descriptions of where it hurts Deaf community customs, norms, and culture Each chapter throughout the book invites you to practice specific Signs in a "Fun & Games" section. Translation guides complement the video CD-ROM, which features demonstrations by ASL Signers and actual conversations in progress - all designed to have you moving your hands, body, and face to convey meaning that reaches way beyond linguistic barriers.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0764554360
• ISBN13: 9780764554360
• Release Date: June 2003
• Publisher: For Dummies
• Length: 358 Pages
• Weight: 1.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 10.0" x 0.3" x 7.3"

Customer Reviews

Signing for Dummies

I found this book to be most helpful well worth the money. Easy to understand and very accurate in ASL

Sign Language Book

Signing for Dummies is just a quick little insight to signing. Great for learning some basic vocabulary words in sign.

Great book for beginners.

This is a very good book for learning individual signs the right way. The signs are accurate, however you will find that some may vary greatly in the deaf community of your area. The ASL speaking community varies greatly, like most other language groups, from one geographic location to another. It more or less amounts to slang. Be assured, if you sign something the deaf do not understand, they will tell you. Then you can spell the word to them and they'll tell you how they sign it. This book is a great start, it has a lot of signs, doesn't really touch on grammar much, but great book to start with.

Would recommend learning from a video first

I nearly didn't buy the book, based on the poor reviews it got. Luckily, I spotted it in the bookstore and flipped through. It's actually quite good. I wouldn't pick it as your first book on sign language though, as some things tend to get a bit confusing if you don't already know some sign.For example, I noticed one of the illustrations was of one version of a sign, and the description was another. Both were valid signs that meant the same thing, but it would have been better to have just one.I also loved the CD in the back of the book. It is a wonderful idea for a book to show the language in motion.

Signing for dummies

Angela Taylor is my american sign language teacher. If she can teach me... she can teach anyone. She is a remarkable woman and an outstanding teacher. Her zest and enthusiasm is surpassed only by her love for "communication". I will enjoy and benefit from this publication for years to come. Thanx,Robin