Customer Reviews

The American Sign Language Handshape Dictionary

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I have quite a collection of ASL dictionaries, because I am deaf but didn't learn ASL until later in life. Now I am in science education, and I still need the dictionaries to write about the differences in ASL and English when translating science curricula. This is the best dictionary on the market today. The author used the format they use for most other dictionaries when going from English to that language and back. Only in ASLs case instead of written words as the phonemes or morphemes, you have handshapes. As the other reviewer stated, with this dictionary you can go from English to ASL, and deaf people can go from known handshapes to the most representative English word. Up til this point there was no dictionary for the Deaf to use to refer back to the English words. This is also the only format where you don't have to go hunting through the book for what you are looking for. Like all written mediums for dictionaries and ASL its only problem is its two dimensional presentation. However, the work they put into finally making a dictionary in the right way for ASL far outweighs the two dimensional concern. As an educator, this is the book I recommend and use for my classes and for my papers. Karen L. Sadler, Science Education, University of Pittsburgh, klsst23@pitt.edu

This book has a unique approach to learning sign language making it different from other books previously published. This is the first book that allows you to go from Spoken English to ASL and VICE VERSA!! Essential text for anyone who wants to learn to sign or to read the signs of others.

Finally a book that allows you to search for signs based on their handshape. Many ASL students have difficulty understanding ASL users. This book gives them a better chance to look up signs to comprehend them instead of using looking up an English gloss to learn what THEY want to say! The only drawback? Not enough! This book should be expanded. I hope to see more signs included in the next edition. (There will be a next edition right?)

This book has been my best resource in three years of sign language study. It is beautifully produced and compact, which makes it easy to carry as a ready reference. The vocabulary has been most satisfactory for the first three years of ASL courses and I expect it will continue to be my most valued resource for many reasons, a few of which are as follows: (1) The vast amount of material covered in the introduction reinforces the areas of grammar, fingerspelling and usage covered in class. (2) The system of ordering signs by handshape reinforces the fact that ASL is an independent language. (3) The variety of glosses that can be expressed with a single sign are together, unlike every other dictionary I have seen. This not only creates the desired compact format, but helps the student learn and appreciate the range of expression possible in ASL. (4) It is the only true two-way signing dictionary for this language, which makes it an essential adjunct to learning the language. It is clear, with my continued use, that the authors are teachers and know just what is needed to promote learning.

Handshapes are crucial when learning asl. Forget the joy of signing book. This will get you much farther. It is modern and has more usuable signs than others. Well organized.

Very good book. It separates vocabulary by the handshape instead of by alphabet. It is approved by the Deaf Studies Programme that I am involved in. There are many books on signing but most do not have ASL signs. This is a worthwhile purchase--there are flashcards available as well.

This dictionary was very helpful to me because you're able to work backwards to find a sign you've seen but don't know. I only wish they had more handshapes in it.

Pros: Nice, basic signs for the beginner, Deaf as well as Hearing. I believe there is a place for this book in all Beginners' ASL libraries. I especially appreciate the attention to 'non-manual signals.' Kudos to the authors/illustrator for a great attempt!

Cons: The illustrations could be improved a lot--especially important for beginners; some seem a bit ambiguous and difficult to understand. There are far too few signs to make this a very important reference book for anyone above beginner level.

Hopes: I hope this reference book is updated with clearer, more elegant artwork and a much expanded concept list.

Thanks: For a great attempt and best regards on improving this book. Hurry before someone else beats you to it; it would be nice if the same authors and illustrator were credited with presenting the first really-fine, new-and-improved handshape dictionary! :)

Thank you for finally writing a book that so clearly illustrates how to go from ASL to spoken English. This book unlike any other, has practically opened up a whole new world to me. Having once learned to sign the alphabet on a train between Salzburg and Vienna,I became interested in learning more about ASL. I saw this book and it provided a system that greatly simplified the learning.

This is probably the best ASL book we have found. It is easily organized and has very clear pictures. The introduction gives lots of information about ASL in general, and the deaf community. We also like that there are flashcards available, if we choose to supplement the book with them.

With this book we are able to pick a word or two each day to teach our kids, usually relating to our daily routine. ASL is a wonderful tool, especially in church or other quiet places, for communicating with out small children. We would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in teaching themselves the basics of ASL. We look forward to learning more.