The Comprehensive Signed English Dictionary (The Signed English Series) (Hardcover)

by Harry Bornstein (Editor), Karen L. Saulnier (Editor), Lillian Hamilton (Editor)

Editorial Reviews

Review
This dictionary should be a welcome addition as a home and classroom reference tool.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 456 pages
• Publisher: Gallaudet University Press; 1 edition (April 30, 1983)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0913580813
• ISBN-13: 978-0913580813
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.9 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #86,026 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars For Signed Engligh, Great! For ASL, No Go!, September 1, 2003

By	Deaf Writer "deafwriter" (Grand Rapids, MI United States) - See all my reviews

Obviously, by the title of this book, you are aware that this is Signed English and not American Sign Language (ASL). What you may not be aware of though is that deaf adults do not use Signed English. If you are learning for a child, this is an awesome book! It is filled to the hilt with clear illustrations and well worth the asking price.

But if you've decided to learn the real *language* of Sign, DON'T get this book. Again, deaf adults don't use it. Many signs are similar, but MANY are not used at all in ASL. This is strictly an English-based book -- not something a serious student who wants to speak with adults in Sign would use.

It all depends on why you're learning and who you're planning on conversing with. Children in elementary school? Get this book. You won't be disappointed. Anyone else? Click on the back arrow key and continue your search. That's just this deafie's opinion. :v)

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive, it is., December 6, 1999

By	Katrina J. Florenc "Reader" (Pacific Northwest) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is the best overall dictionary for signing that I have seen. It has more words than any other in my library, and it has lots of specific words that I usually don't find (i.e. "diaper" and "diarrhea").

My biggest complaint is that this book does not include the historical clues that help me remember new signs (i.e. that "girl" depicts a bonnet string along the chin).

I also am occasionally frustrated by the alphabetizing (it would be useful to find "you're welcome" in the same place as "thank you").

However, when I simply need to look up a single sign, this is the book I always reach for, and I'm seldom disappointed.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tons of signs, March 14, 2000

By	Jann Howell "pbear52" (greenville, sc USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Sure - you might buy another book if you are beginning to learn to sign. The other book would give you those hints to help you remember the signs. But this one includes TONS of signs you can't find anywhere else - like Scotch tape, or McDonald's, Hanukkah, gymnastics, etc. I found it invaluable as a major addition to my collection of sign books. It just can't be beat.