Random House Webster's Pocket American Sign Language Dictionary (Pocket Reference Guides) [Turtleback]

Elaine Costello (Author)

Book Description

Series: Pocket Reference Guides | Publication Date: October 19, 1999

Over 1,000 signs, clearly described and illustrated, in an affordable, take-anywhere pocket dictionary.

Part of the popular pocket dictionary series from Random House, Random House Pocket American Sign Language Dictionary offers full-torso illustrations and clear descriptions of each sign set, setting it apart from the competition.
Just right for students, interpreters, and anyone involved in the deaf community.
Includes full-torso illustrations and clear descriptions of over 1,000 signs.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

Over 1,000 signs, clearly described and illustrated, in an affordable, take-anywhere pocket dictionary.

Part of the popular pocket dictionary series from Random House, Random House Pocket American Sign Language Dictionary offers full-torso illustrations and clear descriptions of each sign set, setting it apart from the competition.
Just right for students, interpreters, and anyone involved in the deaf community.
Includes full-torso illustrations and clear descriptions of over 1,000 signs.

About the Author

Elaine Costello, Ph.D. is a prominent educator and author, and the former director and editor in chief of Gallaudet University Press at Gallaudet University, the world's only university for deaf and hard of hearing students, in Washington, D.C.

Product Details

• Turtleback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Random House Reference (October 19, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 037570700X
• ISBN-13: 978-0375707001
• Product Dimensions: 5.4 x 2.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #112,089 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #82 in Books > Education & Reference > Foreign Languages > Instruction > Sign Language

More About the Author

Dr. Elaine Costello has been an educator and author associated with the field of deafness for more than twenty years. For ten years she was a classroom teacher and supervisor in schools for the deaf. She is now the director and editor in chief of the Gallaudet College Press at Gallaudet College in Washington, D.C., the world's only liberal arts college for the deaf.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good pocket dictionary!!, April 12, 2002

By 

A. Ramirez-Lugo "anvipsych" (Puerto Rico) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Random House Webster's Pocket American Sign Language Dictionary (Pocket Reference Guides) (Turtleback)

I recomend this pocket dictionary for fast access to the signs to express more than 1000 common concepts. Practical for have always near when learning the most frequent used words in ASL.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Purse-sized and ever so cool!, October 27, 2009

By 

Jennifer M. Macleod "yiddishe supermama" (Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Random House Webster's Pocket American Sign Language Dictionary (Paperback)

No dictionary is a substitute for a decent course in ASL. No print dictionary can teach you grammar or the actual movements and relationships of signs.

That said, this is a way-cool reference to have, if only because unlike many so-called "pocket" reference books, it actually does fit in a pocket - a feat I wouldn't have believed possible with the many bulky ASL dictionaries out there.

The trade-off, of course, is that this dictionary is not very comprehensive, and perhaps two times in ten I find it doesn't have the word I'm looking for. It really only contains the very most common words. It also doesn't take into account regional dialects, so it may have a sign but not the version you need locally.

However, for beginner signers, including those who wish to learn and teach sign with babies and young children (or in a classroom setting), this is an incredible quick and handy reference.

I especially like the fact that illustrations feature full torsos of the signers as well as facial expression. Those features are both limited by the tiny size of the book, but again, the dictionary should not be used to replace a proper introduction to ASL, preferably with a deaf instructor. This dictionary is invaluable to keep at home or in my purse as a reminder of signs I've already learned.

5.0 out of 5 stars I love this also, November 8, 2011

By 

Lc - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Random House Webster's Pocket American Sign Language Dictionary (Paperback)

I can carry this with me at all times. Makes learning the basics of sign language not so overwhelming. Thanks so much.