Customer Reviews

Communicating in Sign: Creative Ways to Learn American Sign Language (ASL) (Flying Hands Book)

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

How-to books on ASL, like any other how-to book, must ultimately be judged on their practical results. Using that standard, Diane Chambers and her amazing book must receive the highest accolades.

Our company recently decided to teach ASL to all employees because almost five percent of our workforce was deaf, and there was a noticeable communication gap between us. In a company of 200 employees we had only two who were fluent in ASL. Without them to translate and act as a buffer, the uneasiness we already felt through our communication gap changed into outright panic as we became reduced to passing written notes back and forth. Our deaf employees never took part in any company activies, perfering to associate with themselves. Our personnel director asked if anyone would be interested in learning ASL and practically the entire company expressed such an interest.

As one of our ASL signers had ASL teaching experience, he volunteered to give the course. I suggested Diane Chambers' book and he used it as the text. Using one of our deaf employees to practice on, the class was held on company time for an hour a day. The chapters on ASL helped us to "speak" to them, and the chapter of deaf culture helped us to understand them. The quickest among us learned in a little over a week, the slower among us took three weeks. But all can, and do, make use of the ASL they learned and we have a much more happy, and more productive, office as a result.

Many other books of ASL have nicer covers and nicer illustrations. This one has nicer results.

As a person who has been wanting to learn American Sign Language (ASL) for years, I had no idea where to start.

Diane Chambers' book clearly gives the basics for anyone wanting to learn ASL.

Not only do you learn simple signs, but you learn about deaf culture (I had no idea about "deaf names" versus hearing names). It helped open my eyes to what being deaf was like and gave me the help I needed to communicate with my deaf friends immediately after reading this book!

My only criticism is that the book relies on explanations of some signs (instead of pictures). I would've liked to have seen more drawings of the signs. But I guess that's what a dictionary is for. :o)

Although I have only been trying to learn sign language for a few months, I was very relieved to find this book. I have learned a few other languages and have never seen the willingness to take short cuts that I've seen in so many sign language books. A German text would never assume that learning vocabulary but using English sentence structure is good enough, however, that is what most supposed "ASL" books do.

This book is refreshing in that it explains that American Sign Language does NOT equal American English in form. Chambers even goes further in explaining the etiquette of certain social situations... that there are necessary cultural differences between Deaf and Hearing worlds and also gives suggestions on how to become less of a "tourist" in the Deaf community.

Many of the exercises require a partner or group, but if you are learning alone, this in no way devalues the information here. You won't find what you are looking for here if you are only looking for a lexicon, but it is a valuable addition to a beginner's American Sign Language library. I feel much more comfortable in communicating after reading this book.

My one disappointment was that the promised "further reading and resources" section at the end was not as comprehensive as I was expecting. I was hoping for more resources for beginners, including videos.

Can you honestly believe that anyone would rate this book at one star -- obviously someone who only read up to the first chapter. We had the opportunity to use Diane Chamber's book for a course taught by none other than the author herself at the church where I am currently serving. The book received rave reviews. The book contains practical exercises that can be practiced at home in study or in a class environment. The course was a great success, it built confidence in the students who are now enthused about continuing their education of ASL who knows, it may even become a new ministry in the church. The chapter on Deaf culture is extremely helpful in explaning and opening the doors of dialogue between deaf and hearing worlds. This book also covers an understanding of deaf grammer - obviously very different from english - something that took me three years to finally get a handle on - thanks to Diane's book. Finally, one book where deaf culture, grammer, vocabulary is captured! If you are interested in deaf ministry, this is a must buy!

Most of us work with or know someone who is hearing-impaired (excepting your spouse, who only pretends to be hearing-impaired). Communicating with that person is of utmost importance if any sort of relationship is to be established and maintained. Unfortunately, after reading most books on sign language, the only thing you'll learn is the signing for "never again." (The last book I read before this on the subject was the most pointless since "How to Learn German" was translated into German.) Diane Chambers has managed to write a book that not only teaches you the basic techniques and grammar of sign language, but also does it in a style that makes it easy to learn and absorb what is being taught. The reader will walk away from this book with purpose and confidence rather than a sense of ennui and the haunting feeling of having just wasted time and money. Chambers also takes the reader into the world of deaf culture, changing our point of view from a spectator to a participant. If you read only one book on sign language, read this one, you'll need no other. And if you want to communicate with a hearing-impaired person, definitely read this one.

I bought this book because of the high reviews it got, but it has few pictures. When it comes to Sign Language, I am definitely a pictures person! It is hard for me to read the description of the sign and accurately execute it. They had a couple pictures with the basics, but, for the most part, it was all written and described! I am not even tempted to pick the book up again and wade through it trying to figure out if I am doing the signs right or not. I would definitely recommend something more comprehensive with pictures!

Diane Chambers has come up with a very refreshing piece of work. "Communicating in Sign: Creative Ways to Learn ASL" is a much needed addition to the Sign Language resources currently on the market. I have found that these resources are either Lexicons or highly detailed curricula designed for Interpreters. Chambers has provided an excellent resource for the lay person who wants to learn more about Sign Language and how to interact with Deaf people, but who does not wish to pursue study to the extent that a professional Interpreter might require. While lexicons have their place, Chambers takes the time to explain the LANGUAGE itself. Vocabulary is a fine thing, but the author has taken the time to provide instruction in the grammar of American Sign Language. In addition, she has used the language and the explanations thereof to point out and explain the culture that has developed among Deaf people in the United States. At the same time, she does not! get bogged down in the technical jargon of the professional linguist. She does, however, provide practical advice for interaction. Dealing with work issues, finding interpreters, using telecommunication devices, and other real world situations are discussed in her book. In short, this book is an invaluable aid for the person desiring to be a "tourist" in the world of the Deaf, and it can also be a very welcoming portal for the person who might desire to enter the world of professional studies. Either way, this paper back is an affordable tool for the reader wishing to learn more about Deaf people, their language, and their culture.

Having been involved in the Deaf community and Deaf education for 23 years, I found Diane Chambers' book to be a great alternative to the myriad of "Sign Language" books available. I use this book to teach beginning ASL and Deaf Culture. The information is presented in logical sequence. First-time students have commented that even without lots of pictures, the great descriptions make it easy to learn the Signs. Incorporating Deaf culture in the book was sheer genius since without background knowledge of Deaf community and culture you might as well sit on your hands. Add this book to your collection!

This book came highly recommended, but I was *highly* disappointed. I love sign language and Deaf culture, and have several books on the subject. This ranks poorly as both an instructional book and as a culture book. The signs are described, not illustrated, and it's very confusing to try to figure out the sign based solely on its description -- and I have been signing for 15 years! The only redeeming part of the book is its emphasis on facial expression as part of ASL. There are so many BETTER books available, don't waste your time with this!

I learned of Diane Chambers book when she was at our site interpreting for an employee. Communicating in Sign is an excellent book for anyone who wishes to communicate with the deaf. In addition to the "how to" portion of the book, I found the section pertaining to the deaf culture very informative. She dispells a lot of the myths surrounding the deaf. This book is more than just a technical "how to" book. It is an easy read giving great insight and knowledge. I use it everyday!