Product Description

Customer Reviews (16)

review
I was looking more for a book that taught you how to start teaching your baby sign language.This is more of a book that just teaches what signs are.There isnt a sign in there for a "bottle" either.I was looking for more ideas on where to start and what signs to start with.I think maybe the book is for older children.

Wonderful Book
I am the mother of four children and taught sign language to my first two (now ages 10 and 7).I now have twin six month old babies and plan to teach them as well.This is by far my favorite book.The illustrations are great; The helpful tips are truly helpful; The photos show you ideas of what it will look like when your child performs the sign and it has many useful signs that we use daily.There are many more signs than we will ever use but it's nice to have all the ones I need so handy.I don't need any other book with this one.

A Great Instructional Book
I really love this book. I bought it b/c of the good reviews it has. The pics are really cute & very easy to understand (along w/ the explanations). I like that it suggests common times to use different signs. I had a very successful experience teaching my infant signing using this book. She started signing around 9 months or so although I consistently used it from when she was 3 months old. It's a bit early but I figured it wouldn't hurt. She's nearly 2 now and no longer needs to sign but she still loves looking through the book at the pictures of the little kids & mimics their signing. I highly recommend this book! It's well priced & very helpful!

Good Book To Start With
I bought this book about a month ago and have chosen a few basic signs to start using with my 7 month old.She's not to where she can sign back yet, but this book has provided me with some great signs to get started with.Because some words can have duel meaning (more/again) I like that they kind of help you out with which one to use for what. Also, they talk about how to get started and what to look for when you start signing.I've noticed that now when I sign "book" my daughter gets really excited.Even though she can't sign back, the book told me to look for clues that she's starting to understand my signs and I can definitly see this happening.I'm very pleased with this purchase.

From a language professional, this is a great find!
I am a speech-language pathologist and am asked all the time, "Wont signing get in the way of my little one learning to talk?" NO--EMPHATICALLY NO! In fact, adding in sign PROMOTES spoken language! There are too many articles to cite here to back me up, but suffice it to say that when your baby points to milk and says, "mamama," she is already using gestures/signs--they come first before spoken language! All that said, I got this book for my brother and his wife--two CPA's with their first--because it is incredibly user friendly and gives real-world pointers for how to make the signs and in what contexts. It draws directly from American Sign Language, so in all seriousness, if your little one grows up to befriend someone who uses ASL, they will (on a very basic level) be able to "talk" with them! Honestly, a great resource for parents who are looking to make their first year or two with their baby smooth. Wouldn't it be great if you knew what your 7-month old was screaming about?? If he knows the sign for it, I promise you, he will tell you what he wants :) Enjoy!! ... Read more

Product Description
Featuring cool computer-generated illustrations and a simple kid-friendly design, this reference book for the youngest readers makes learning sign language fun and easy! Learn 100 basic signs for everyday use in helpful categories, such as Food, Colors, Animals, In the Classroom, and more! Also included are instructions on how to fingerspell the entire alphabet and numbers.

For quick reference, this book also comes with a bonus full-size poster of the ASL alphabet--perfect for home or the classroom!

... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

cute, but not for learning the signs
this book is cute if you want something to interest your toddler and supplement other sign language learning tools. I wouldn't use it just to learn sign language though.

Great for beginners in American Sign Language
I teach my children spanish and (ASL) American Sign language and this book has been very helpful in teaching them a new language.

sign language
have not received my books Iam still waiting for them I think that you are a rip off and i have told every body that I know. I will not be ordering ant thing from this company again........

Great book but wish it were a board book!
This book has great illustrations and I love that there are 100 words in this small, concise book!However, the book is paper, thin paper at that and my daughter is going to rip it up pretty quickly.I ordered some other signing books and they are board books so they are spectacular! If this was a board book I'd give it 6 stars!!

smaller than expected ...
... and not very sturdy. Drawings are nice but not always clear. Decent range of everyday words and the alphabet poster included is cool. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (7)

Exactly what I was looking for
I was a little overwhelmed at the number of books on this topic when I was reading reviews. All I wanted was an easy to understand, easy to follow book that explained the basics of how to teach my baby to sign (how to start and what order to introduce the signs). This one is perfect for me. It has enough signs to make it worthwhile but not too many to be overwhelming and it seems to have all of the basic ones that I am interested in teaching my baby. It also has a good intro and easy to understand diagrams of the signs with a writeup on most to explain the sign. I have a more comprehensive book that I find very difficult to use because the pictured do not make sense to me (I see the picture but cannot really figure out how to do the actual sign). I also like the pocket size of the book, don't get me wrong , it's too thick to fit in your pocket but it's a nice compact size.

It is not magic
To do the autor proposal you have to have a lot of patience and entusiasm.

Great and easy read, so excited to start signing!
I bought this book after hearing a podcast on Pregtastic with the author as the guest speaker! I was inspired to teach my baby sign language! I just started teaching him when he was 4.5 months old, we'll see if he picks anything up! The book starts off with some advice, why should you sign, and other tips and tricks. The rest of the book is 300+ useful signs! I keep it in my baby's play area and pick up words here and there and sign to him. The author makes it fun and easy by giving a written description of the sign as well! She includes cute pictures of her and her young daughter signing together.

easy to learn
This book is a quick way to teach your hearing baby sign language.They are easy and practical signs to use in your everday use!

Good Learning Tool
This is a pretty thorough book.I bought two books on baby signing and a set of flash cards and this one book would have been plenty.There were reviews that said complained about the size, but I think it is perfect. The size makes it convenient.Pictures are good.Like it quite a bit. ... Read more

Product Description
An illustrated abridgment of the most authoritative reference book on sign language, with well-written and easily understood instructions for the use of each sign. More than 5,000 signs and 8,000 illustrations. And now includes more than 500 new signs and 1,500 new illustrations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (33)

Basic dictionary
This is a good "Basic" dictionary, but should not be relied on. It doe snot have all the words in the English vocabulary of course, but in return has things you would need to carry a simple conversation. Aslpro.com is a much more comprehensive dictionary if you have access to the internet.

Great start
Someone stated that this book is useless if you planned on becoming an ASL interpreter.While I am very well aware that ASL signing is quite different, I believe that it is extremely helpful to have some sort of a foundation.If you plan on becoming an interpreter, be proactive, before taking the ASL classes, learn how to sign objects, it would make learning the sentence structure of ASL easier.

Educational Book
This book is fantastic, has a lot of draws about the sign. In some case can show you different signs for the same meaning. I recommend the book.

More than a Dictionary
The explanation of the signs makes it much easier to remember them.I have two dictionaries and find this is the first one I turn to.There are some good web sites for a quick search.The way this dictionary is written gives it more power than just a simple translation.Signs are not just substitutes for English words, they are often concepts and this book makes that clear.

Fantastic resource if you work with deaf, ESL or Foreign Language populations!
Sternberg's ASL Dictionary is the most incredible resource for American Sign Language, that I have found on the market.As a certified teacher of the deaf, of ESL, and of Foreign Languages, I have used this book for many years in all three contexts.

I love the fact that Sternberg includes 5,000+ signs, and that he offers more than one sign for many words.Parents and teachers of deaf children will recognize the derivation of the signs for a particular word, and be able to choose which sign would be most appropriate for their own context, age group, etc.The signs are given in ASL (American Sign Language#, but several versions of the sign are available, so users of Signed English or of SEE will also benefit.Obviously, teachers of the deaf need one comprehensive dictionary with various versions of signs for a word, to clarify multiple meanings. I have not seen that feature in my other Sign books.

If you teach foreign languages in North America, you know that TPR #Total Physical Response# and TPRS #Total Physical Response Storytelling# are the single most effective method of teaching the students in your classroom to speak in a foreign language today.TPR / TPRS is very simply the use of Sign Language simultaneously with speech in the foreign language.If you use Sternberg's ASL signs #rather than Signed English or SEE#, the sign will be more universal, since it was not created originally for English.ASL has already crossed language barriers, and will help your FL students grasp and retain the new vocabulary in the lesson more easily.

If you teach Beginners in English as a Second Language #ESL / ESOL), no matter how many languages you personally speak, you've experienced the fun of negotiating meaning with students who cannnot yet speak your language, and whose language you do not speak.Sign Language is such an incredible help, giving the ESL student information which helps with processing the unfamiliar things we say.

Yes, Sternberg's ASL Dictionary is expensive -- and worth every penny!I have two hardcover copies, in case I need one at school and one at home. This book has my highest recommendation. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (54)

Sign language book
The book came nicley packaged. It was in used condition, but actually looked new. No marks or writing in the book.

Good, if you have a teacher, too
I put additional notes under the drawings: "Circle two f's" or "Jiggle fingers" to explain the action.I'm in anintroductory class with an enthusiastic teacher, which is so good and necessary for learning.

Works Well For Us
I have used this book for several years in a beginning ASL study group. The information,format and graphics are the best suited to our purposes that I've found.

Great condition
This is another book that has arrived to me sooner than expected which has been excellent to me!! The book was bought as used but the condition is like new, Great buy for the price!!

American Sign Language Dictionary
A wonderful dictionary. Has a lot of signs, and meanings. Explain you how to make the sign. I love it. ... Read more

Product Description
TALKING WITH YOUR HANDS LISTENING ... Read more

Customer Reviews (43)

Great for new ASL learners.
I picked up this book to help me with my senior project for school and i LOVE it. It's explains the basic rules and starts from the very beginning for brand new learners of ASL. There are so many pictures and they are really easy to understand, unlike most ASL books I have looked at. Next to the pictures it tell you the hand shape, position, visual, and what it resembles in real life for extra help in memorizing. There are also very specific signs for things like cities and religions too. I would definitely get this book if you're interesting in learned, just want to take a quick look at ASL or if you're brushing up on old things you learned.

Easy to understand
I really like this book because it provides you with a source of history for thelanguage and it is easy to understand. There is a description of hand movements for the different words and phrases. I would definitely recommend this book

The best ASL book for beginners !!
This book is big (325 pages) and wide but it is a WONDERFUL introduction to ASL. I have recently decided that I want to learn ASL and this book makes it very easy to learn the basic vocabulary. The pictures and descriptions are very clear and the tips are extremely helpful.

I received the book (along with the Baron 500 flash cards and ASL phrase book, which I also ordered) 5 days after I purchased it and I am absolutely thrilled with it. My entire family is also learning ASL and I feel so happy to be learning this beautiful language and I can't wait to share it with my family members that live abroad. I recommend buying this book, the American sign language phrase book and the Baron 500 flash cards if you seriously want to learn a lot of vocabulary and the basic greetings.

A wonderful book which I recommend to everyone.

One of the easiest ways to learn sign language!
At first when I ordered this book,I was skeptical because of what people said learning from a book was like: difficult with a hard time looking at pictures to figure out what they mean. The pictures in this book are very easy to understand, although not DVD quality material, I would say this book is the next best thing!

ASL
This book is superb showing the Sign as well as describing it. I am learning as a hearing person. No matter who you are, this is a great learning tool. ... Read more

Product Description

Open up a whole new world of communication through ASL

You can easily learn ASL with help from The American Sign Language Phrase Book. With more than 500 phrases, this is the reference guide to everyday expressions in American Sign Language, providing a quick way for you to converse with deaf people.

Clearly illustrated with hundreds of line drawings, this book focuses on areas such as health, family, school, sports, travel, religion, time, money, food and drink, and small talk. This edition's new chapter on technology boasts 50 phrases to help you communicate about the Internet, computing, video relay, and more. There is even a chapter that gives you phrases for communicating about signing: asking people to sign slower, indicating your fingerspelling ability, and requesting help with your fledgling skills.

From asking simple questions (“How are you?”) to more complex phrases (“There's no sign for that, you have to fingerspell it.”), The American Sign Language Phrase Book gives you the power to communicate easily and comfortably in ASL.

Customer Reviews (55)

A fantastic approach
I got this book on a whim back when I studied ASL.Frankly, I expected to be disappointed.After all, how many times have you picked up a foreign language phrase book and found it to be mostly useless rubbish?("My hovercraft is full of eels!" -- John Cleese)

This book is a delight.Instead of just being a book of phrases or a collection signs, it's actually an ASL grammar in very active form.You get to see how phrases are concocted in normal settings.You get a feel for how the signs should flow together rather than being disjoint symbols.In short, this is the best book on how ASL actually works.

I was tempted, as with another signing book, to give this 4-stars because I think book format for signing is outdated.However, the method of presentation of ASL found in this book surpasses much of what I've seen since, so I'm giving it the best rating possible.

The American Sign Language Phrase Book
As a special needs school bus driver, this book has been a tool I use constantly.Wonderful book, in excellent condition.

Unique, friendly, basic ASL book
This book is written in a very accessible, friendly way for those new to ASL.
Nothing fancy-best for those who need basic communication tools or for those looking for a jumping off point if they are new to studying ASL.
I appreciate the English descriptions along with the literal ASL translations.

American sign language dictionary
Very good.I am learning a lot from this book.It is coming in very handy at my A.L.F.

sign 1
This is a good ASL phrase book. However, there are several signs missing used in basic conversation. Also, some of the drawings are hard to understand. It is a much more updated version than the typical old school signing book. ... Read more

Product Description
This beginner's guide to fingerspelling and sign language contains the sign for each letter of the alphabet along with signs for words that begin with each letter. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (21)

Kids love it
I bought this book for my autistic son and while he does love to look at it.My daughter has taken it over and wants it read to her everyday.I decided to try using it in my preschool and they love it they have learned so much the parents think it is wonderful.

Best way to get started in learning American Sign Language!
This tiny little book includes not just the signing alphabet, but also basic numbers, in addition to 111 commonly used words. It is the best book I know to use as a beginner who wants to communicate with the deaf community! My copy is worn from usage, and has been indispensable in my life with my deaf grandson. I highly recommend it!

wonderful sign book for kids
This is a really good, cute book for little kids. It doesn't have tons of signs but it is a fun way to learn the alphabet and a few signs for each letter.

GREAT BEGINNERS BOOK!!
I bought this book for my 18-month old son so he can communicate with me before he could talk. I had been taking ASL classes since he was 6-months and I found the book a good way to introduce it to him, reinforced with my own training. He mastered all the signs before the age of 3. He continues to enjoy reinforcing the signs he knows and I still sign to him now.

LOVE IT!!
I bought this book when my children were little and used it to teach them sign!!I am so happy to have it back into print so that I can share it with my friends and family having babies. ... Read more

Product Description

From the seventeenth century to the early years of the twentieth, the population of Martha's Vineyard manifested an extremely high rate of profound hereditary deafness. In stark contrast to the experience of most deaf people in our own society, the Vineyarders who were born deaf were so thoroughly integrated into the daily life of the community that they were not seen--and did not see themselves--as handicapped or as a group apart. Deaf people were included in all aspects of life, such as town politics, jobs, church affairs, and social life. How was this possible?

On the Vineyard, hearing and deaf islanders alike grew up speaking sign language. This unique sociolinguistic adaptation meant that the usual barriers to communication between the hearing and the deaf, which so isolate many deaf people today, did not exist.

Customer Reviews (8)

Very readable
I bought the book because I found out my great grandparents were deaf and that my great grandmother was from Chilmark on Martha's Vineyard. The book was very interesting although I didn't learn much about my particular relatives.

Love this book! (a deaf reader)
This is the right attitude toward the deaf people in Martha's Vineyard back in the 17th and 18th centuries. I only wish it was true in USA and elsewhere today but it isn't.

This book also talk of people that aren't deaf, were using sign language to talk to each other - for example, from one boat to another or from the cliff down to the beach or because the high wind was drowning out their voices. I can think of many examples that people can use sign language today. Scuba diving sign language is so limited so why not use ASL? A person can tell a minister of an emergency problem quickly from the back of the church without having to go up to whisper in his ear. One could 'talk' to another person in the next building without opening windows. (Windows can't be opened in some office buildings) I could go on and on.

Today, parents are using sign language with their babies (not deaf). Some researchers are saying that it enhances language, cognitive, and social-emotional development. However, I am sure that at the same time, there are some parents of deaf babies, are being told not to use sign language. There are few schools that are pro-oral. Those deaf babies need sign language even more. Where are their language and social-emotional development?? This is irony and sharp contrast to this book. This book prove that all deaf babies need to be exposed to sign language everyday by comparing the Vineyard Deaf people to the Mainland Deaf people.

I am keeping this book to show others because it does support my view of point on the education for the deaf.

Excellent Book!
I read this book a couple of years ago after reading Oliver Sack's book "Seeing Voices". I read many books each year and I must agree with the other readers here in stating that this is one of the books that has stuck with me. The sense of community and integration encountered by the deaf people on Martha's Vineyard are truley lessons to us all on acceptance and normal treatment of disabilities. I only wish it had a follow up edition.

A book not to be forgotten
There are about 10 books I've read in my life that are vivid years later.This is one of those.We're given the chance to see what it might be like to live in a place without prejudices about people being different because of something like deafness. I learned a tremendous amount about deafness, sign language, and life on a New England fishing island community in bygone years. Don't miss this wonderful book.

An interesting look at a unique deaf cultue
"Everyone Here Spoke Sign Language" is a look at the effect of a large deaf population on Martha's Vineyard.Though a dry read at times, this book gives an interesting look at how for once in the history of deaf culture the *hearing* adapted for the deaf instead of vice versa.While most people might assume that the large deaf population would force a hefty amount of deaf people to adapt to hearing life, the opposite was actually true; the brilliance of Martha's Vineyard was that nearly all hearing people knew sign language to some degree.

The book analyses cultural impact of the large deaf population within the Vineyard's communities, which was biologically caused by the genetic predisposition for deafness.The book, largely written like an anthropological study, focuses on both physical and cultural aspect of the deafness in the communities.However, the most interesting implications within the book are those discussing deaf and hearing interrelations. ... Read more

Product Description
The most award-winning product of its kind for introducing American Sign Language (ASL) signs to hearing babies, this powerful package can help you understand and meet the needs of infants and toddlers long before they can speak. Author and researcher Dr. Joseph Garcia offers a straightforward and light-hearted approach to teaching infants how to communicate using simple ASL signs. The Complete Learning Kit-US DVD Version - includes the SIGN with your BABY Book, Training Video (DVD), and Quick Reference Guide (total of 3 component products) bundled together in one box.Amazon.com Review
Sign with Your Baby Complete Learning Kit will enable you tocommunicate at new levels with your baby long before she can speak.Thiscomprehensive package of book, video, and reference guide shows how simplegestures can communicate ideas like "I'm hungry" or "help me." Caregiversgrasp baby's needs immediately rather than learn through trial and error.Dr. Joseph Garcia has designed the system so it's not necessary to learn anentire new language, although it also provides a terrific start in American Sign Language for a hearing-impaired child. A fascinating introduction delves into the development of language in children and uses informative line drawings todemonstrate over 150 hand signs for all kinds of actions and nouns.Theaccompanying video provides practical tips for getting started, someinsight into the hows and whys of this method from Dr. Burton White(director of the Center for Parent Education), and inspiring sights ofyoung babies signing effectively with their caregivers. The laminated quick-reference guide lists some of the most common words in any parent's day:cookie, no, and up are but a few.Garcia's clear, concise methods make learning a breeze, and caregivers gain outstanding new abilities togive the best possible care for the babies entrusted to them. --JillLightner ... Read more

Customer Reviews (154)

M's Mom
This was recommended to us by a friend who has her PhD in early child development. We used it for our son and have given this as a gift a few times. The research behind the advantage of signing with babies is available, but my qualitative feedback is that it really works. Starting at 9 months, we knew when our son wanted more to eat or drink or was "all done". His signing vocabulary eventually grew to over 50 words, so we even knew when he felt like getting on the swing. We believe that he was a well behaved baby because we were able to understand him way before he could talk. We also believe that his exceptional vocabulary as a kindergartener was also directly impacted by our signing.

Not fun for the kid!
I got this DVD after my daughter much enjoyed learning to sign with the DVD's "Baby Signing Time". Those DVD's used kids and an adult in a fun & interactive way to learn to sign. There's baby ones and then ones for bigger kids. My daughter loved these DVD's and asked to watch them every day.
This DVD is too informational for parents.. it's not really fun for kids to learn to sign from it. It's basically giving parents a tutorial on how to go about it and info about it. Not what I thought I was getting. We watched it once.. what a waste.
If this is your first venture into signing, it might be helpful.. but not worth the money they're selling it for.. I reccomend checking out your local library, mine had many books and dvd's that were very helpful. (I liked "Signing for hearing babies" or somtething along those lines, good read, very helpful)

Ok, but a little thin on content.
The book and video are useful in showing the basics, but for the price I'd expect something more in-depth.

Very Helpful!!!
Sign with your baby has been so helpful and amusing. By the time my son was 15 months he knew over 12 signs that decreased his frustration with communication. This skill does not happen over night, it is something that takes time and persistence, but it does pay off in the end. His skill list at this point consist of: Milk, More, Grandpa, Mom, Dad, Up, Down, Eat, Lion, Zebra, Dog, Book, Ball, Shoes, Flower, Bird, Monkey, All Done, and Come here. It is so thrilling to watch him advance mentally. Not only have the signs helped with everyday misunderstanding, but because of repetition he is learning English vocabulary quickly as well. The parents are not the only ones that can practice with him. One of the perks to having this kit be ASL is that the signs are universal and his grandparents were able to learn and practice the signs with him as well and have reference sheet to refer to that came with this kit. I just can't explain how useful this has been for us; I would recommend this to anyone.

need to return and your return program did not work for me
i tried once to contact you to send product back, and had trouble executing on internet. want to send it back tomorrow as i did not want the VHS as we have no vhs and could not believe this happened, as i would never order it. please forward how i can return product and replace with dvd version. thank you betty

did not rate as could not use vhs ... Read more

Product Description
How to say it in sign.
With over 600 photos and an instructional DVD.

Focusing on the popular Contact Signing mode (formerly referred as Pidgin Sign Language), this is the perfect guide to the fundamentals of communicating through sign in a variety of everyday situations. Inside, readers will discover how to sign for small talk, emotions, directions, weather, family and friends, special occasions, recreation, travel, around the house, dining out, shopping, education, at the workplace, emergencies, and more.

* Includes more than 600 photos
* First and only book on sign language that contains a DVD
* There are more than 28 million people in the United States with some degree of hearing loss
* Contact Signing is the most frequently used mode of communication when hearing people and deaf people come together and each is not fluent in the other's native language ... Read more

Customer Reviews (31)

OK for awhile
I purchased this item when I knew less ASL than now, and quickly outgrew it. As others have stated there is alot of information on deaf culture and little notes on social situations that were helpful. The photos were acceptable, even good. The book is not a dictionary, but rather designed to give you a kick start into conversation on a basic level. The DVD is user friendly and helps train your eyes to view signing, but contrary to some others I'd read about being too fast, this is too slow. There is a place for it though and would not consider it to be a waste, just expect to get what you do from it and then move on.

sign 2
This book is absolutely wonderful for beginners learning American Sign Language. I use this for my Sign Language class I teach and it is a great reference for my students. I love the dvd that's included with the book and I think its great for the visual learners and something that they can use as a tool.

Good starter book
My husband is using this book to begin learning sign language and it is working very well for him as he can converse quickly.

Sign language instruction book includes a very nicely produced DVD.
The first part of the book, which provides background and explanation on deafness and deaf culture, is painful, answering questions such as: 'Can deaf people drive?' These are the usual dumb questions that hearing people ask about the deaf.Yes, they drive better than you do, moron, because they don't have a cell phone glued to their ear.However, the author fails to mention the heart-pounding thrill of being a passenger in a car driven by a deaf person who is in the midst of a highly animated signed conversation.

I do highly recommend this book: the sign language explanations, photographs, and illustrations are first-rate, and the companion DVD is an additional positive to make this book highly recommended for someone who needs a casual introduction to deafness and sign language.

disappointing...
this book is nothing like i thought it would be. i was looking for something that would give me more on conversation style than actual vocabulary words/signs. i got more out of a dictionary than this. it was a complete waste of money, for me. the pictures are decent. they lack variation & real life feel (well, maybe that is the disappointment of the overall book). i do not recommend this book for someone trying to learn another language and not just the subtle niceties. ... Read more

Product Description
Learning ASL--American Sign Language--becomes easy with the help of this heavily illustrated book. This edition has been updated to include information on new technological developments and their related vocabulary. A useful guide both for the deaf and for those who teach or otherwise work among deaf men and women, this book opens with a detailed presentation of the 10 key grammatical rules of ASL. Also emphasized is the use of "facial grammar" as an important supplement to manual signing. Most of this book's contents are devoted to demonstrating and explaining signing. More than 800 line drawings clearly illustrate different words and then show how to combine them to convey statements. Here is easy access to the use of American Sign Language, a practical book for both the deaf and for those with normal hearing who have occasion to communicate with the deaf. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (39)

The best book in its class
I got this book ages ago and I'm just now getting around to reviewing it.The approach this book takes to the structure of sign language is fantastic.It's no mere rote memorization of signs, but real practical knowledge of signing.If you're curious about learning ASL, definitely start here.

Textbook Review
Textbook was delivered within a few days and was in perfect condition. This is a great book if you are beginning to learn ASL. Detailed pictures and wording are helpful.

American Sign Language The Easy Way
The book was very easy to read and understand. I would have liked to seem more explanation on how to hold the hands and move to and away from the body. The drawings were excellent.

very pleased with purchase
This book is perfect for learning and teaching asl.I needed an updated version and am very happy with this one.

HOLLONS45
I am a beginner.So right now I think it's a good book.I am excited to see this language done by hand and to see the differance in the way we talk and the way they talk.Signing is really a big challenge for me.I hope I can learn on my own.I want to learnALS so that I will be able to help others to learn to talk in sign.I think this book is good for beginners.it teaches you the basic and more.So it is as good as the title ALS the easy way. ... Read more

Product Description

American Sign Language is a rich and complex language. Recently declared as an official language and recognized by 48 states as a foreign language, more and more high school teachers across the country are teaching American Sign Language as an elective.

Learning American Sign Language: Levels I & II – Beginning &Intermediate is designed to prepare teachers to successfullyinteract with American Sign Language (ASL) users. Lessons are structured around language needed for common-life situations, and examples are presented in the form of dialogues coupled with grammar and vocabulary instruction. Information is also included about the culture of deaf people in the United States.

Learners will discover that the book:

• Contains lessons designed around the conversational language needed for common life situations.
• Illustrates hundreds of sentences and vocabulary with over 2,000 high quality colorized drawings that aid in study and memory.
• Contains over 100 grammar and cultural notes, 72 exercises, and charts of the American Manual Alphabet (Finger spelling) and ASL number system.
• Teaches the rules of ASL in a natural order that is predictable and compatible with everyday language of native users of American Sign Language.
• Incorporates information about the cultural lives of Deaf people in the United States.
• Is supported by a video demonstrating all the conversations and important structures in the text.

Order the Video!

Video to Accompany American Sign Language, 2/e
Order No. 0-205-27554-0

American Sign Language students will find themselves captivated and entertained by this state-of-the-art Video that presents all 72 dialogues and each key structure from the text in a clear and natural way. Four internationally known Deaf actors animate the dialogues bringing life to the illustrations in the text allowing students to preview and review instructional materials at home to enhance their classroom learning.

About the authors:

Tom Humphries is Associate Director of the Teacher Education Program and also teaches in the Department of Communication at the University of California, San Diego. He is currently coordinating a program to train teachers of deaf children using a bilingual approach. Prior to this he taught at Gallaudet University in the Department of English for several years and later served as an Associate Dean for the San Diego Community College District where he coordinated the development of an ASL program and an interpreter-training program. He holds a Ph.D. in Cross Cultural Communication and Language Learning. Dr. Humphries is co-author with Carol Padden of Deaf in America: Voices from a Culture and several other books and articles related to ASL and the culture of Deaf people.

Carol Padden is a Professor in the Department of Communication at the University of California, San Diego where she teachers courses on language, culture and media. She is a graduate of Georgetown University and received a Ph.D. in Linguistics from the University of California, San Diego. Her recent research includes studies of reading development in young deaf children and she has written extensively about the cultural lives of Deaf people in the United States. She received a John Simon Guggenheim Fellowship, in addition to numerous other awards and grants for her work. In addition to the books she has co-authored with Tom Humphries, she has published several other books and articles on American Sign Language structure. Humphries & Padden (Learning American Sign Language, 2e).

Customer Reviews (38)

Learning American Sign Language
I was very disappointed when I saw this book. I ordered it used and it looked like a dog ripped it up. I don't think a book costing $38.00 should look like this. I was also very disappointed to see that I could not return this book. I ended up dropping this class and have no use for this book anymore, and I don't think anyone will buy this book from me considering the shape it is in. Overall I was not satisfied and may look to other sites for purchasing books from now on.

Good
Arrived in great condition, but late.It was hard to get by in sign language class without my book for so long.

it'll do
comments indicated it was in better shape than it arrived in, but it'll serve it's purpose. arrived very timely though!!

ASL Spiral book
I am hoping this book will be extrememly helpful in my class. Will further comment once I start classes....but as a start, the book is in excellent shape and was fast to be shipped.

Pacific NW regional teaching/learning aid
Top rate learning aid!

This is a regional teaching/learning aid.
The schools for the Deaf in the Pacific-NW area use this book/DVD and the Bravo series.
The grade schools, high schools, colleges and universities use this book/DVD also.

Western Oregon University offers a great ASL/English Interpreting Bachelor-degree course and they use this book as well, including many others of course.It's perfect for this area.

I live in Pacific NW and this is a very acceptable book/DVD here.
I learned beginner's ASL from this book and the Bravo series.

In my opinion, it is an advantage to learn how to sign from different regions, not a disadvantage or negative aspect.It just means you are becoming more multi-lingual in a sense.The Deaf do not mind if we use a sign from a different region, any more than hearing people mind if we say--y'all or you-guys--at least, being a relocated Texan, I HOPE y'all don't mind. LOL In turn, the Deaf will teach us the sign that is most acceptable in the particular region in which we/they live.Variety makes life spicy, yes?Knowledge is power.

I have an old first edition (1981): American Sign Language--A Comprehensive Dictionary by Martin L.A Sternberg, Ed.D.5,000 signs.Impressive.I love it!It's interesting to see how some of the older, two-handed, cumbersome signs have evolved into better ergonomic signs.This language is always improving.
I got mine online from a used-book store for about $6.Quite a steal as it sold for $40 in 1981.I would search for the latest revised edition and cherish it!

A very good, current dictionary to have is the American Handshape Sign Language Dictionary (new revised 2010 edition from Gallaudet).It is an East Coast regional dictionary and also very nice for beginners. I have the last edition and will buy the revised and enlarged edition for my husband who is learning ASL.It is on pre-order from Amazon.It is an essential in my opinion.
[...]

I am also increasing my collection of signs and abilities using free downloads from various sites:
ASLUniversity has fabulous lesson plans and a growing dictionary (California area): [...]

ASL Pro, A Southwest-based (Texas) site, has great quizzes, various dictionaries (baby, religious and everyday signs) and MANY other goodies: [...]

I use these wonderful online dictionaries as well:
ASL Browser: [...]
Signing Savvy: [...]

WWW dot JW dot ORG is a great East Coast media site:
[...]
If you are not adverse to religious-based media, this is a PEARL!
They have the best ASL Bible I have ever seen!

Once you have accumulated some knowledge of the language:
FREE educational & entertaining--ASL Bible, Bible dramas, Children's Bible stories, advanced religious media for download:

The simplest of the above downloadable ASL media is the DVD entitled: Learning From the Great Teacher.It is about Jesus, and teaches great moral values. Learning From the Great Teacher is also available in English book format.I learned TONS of signs and phrases from this children's book/DVD combined.The man signing is very deliberate and extremely animated.It is the best teaching tool I have found.It is necessary to have a basic knowledge of ASL to make use of it though.However, I found that having the English text was invaluable.Even if you have a limited amount of learned signs, watching a variety of extremely proficient signers relate simple information is good training for your receptive skills.

I have quite a lot of resource material, secular as well as religious.ANYTHING that helps you learn the language is great! I actually enjoy seeing signs done differently from all over the North American continent as well as all over the world.Sign language is the third most-used language in the United States, behind Spanish and English.Of the several sign languages used in the USA, ASL is the largest.I am so happy to see such an increased interest in the Spanish and ASL languages in this country.

Happy learning, y'all! ILY (ASL for I-Love-You/y'all/you guys)LOL
BB in Oregon, USA
... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Love this book!!
I am absolutely in love with these books (I also got Play Time and Going Out). They are board books--what a genius idea!! The illustrations are great and I've learned more signs from these than many I've already purchased! Thank you! I also got the My First Animals and it's my favorite! My daughter is 14 months and she loves the pictures and I sign to her with each, she's picking it up very quickly!

good book
this book is one of my daughter's favorite signing books.it covers the basics well.the images seem to be appealing to my daughter who has had this book since she was 12 months old.She is now 18 months old.Even though she knows all the signs in the book, she likes to pull it out so she can "read"/sign it to me.It makes her proud that she can "read" a book on her own.Some signs can be a bit confusing although there is an image and directions for making the sign.However, if you are simply trying to communicate with your child it will help you develope a sign that you can both understand.

Play Time (Sign About)
This book is awesome! My two year old is hearing impaired and I ordered most of the books in this series. I am impressed with the the way the author and illustrators have put this book together. It is the easiest book I have found to teach not only myself and my daughter sign, but also for my other school aged children to learn as well. I highly reccommend this book for anyone who wishes to learn sign. ... Read more

Product Description
A complete pocket dictionary of American Sign Language

Over 4,500 fully illustrated, up-to-date signs

From basic hand shapes to fully illustrated and described signs, Random House Webster’s Concise American Sign Language Dictionary offers a comprehensive and up-to-date treasury of signs. Whether you are a novice seeking “survival signs” for basic communication or an experienced user fluent in ASL and looking to enlarge your vocabulary, you cannot find a more complete, easy-to-use sign language dictionary.

This authoritative reference includes:

• Over 4,500 signs — more than other ASL pocket dictionaries
• Detailed full-torso illustrations
• Precise, easy-to-follow instructions for performing each sign
• Signs for new and technical terms
• Hints for remembering signs
• And much more ... Read more

Customer Reviews (24)

wonderful
i haven't any regrets, arrive on time thanks again amazon you are a life saver

Great but not complete
I got this gook to replace my hardbound oversize encyclopedia... It was a good swap.It has about 70% of the terms I want to look up so it is a fairly good book.Most of the words I can't find are obscure, or technical, so I end up looking them up online on one of the video dictionaries...

I like that the book is small as well..

Good for general use.
This dictionary has a good concise introduction and lots of general and slang terms used.However, it would be very hard for people to read with even slight visual problems since the print is so tiny.The words in bold and descriptions of terms are good, but some are a little difficult for people to understand without any background in sign language.I would recommend this book for those who just need a quick reference to most words in general use because it is light and therefore easy to carry around, but have another book with larger print for sight impaired people.

ASL dictionary
Good quick reference. I have several different dictionaries and I find something I like in each of them. This is more complete than some others.

ASL
This is an amazing book with great illustrations. I am learning so much from it my ASL vocabulary has tripled in the last couple of weeks. ... Read more

Product Description

Communicate with babies -- even before they can speak.

Before a baby can talk and before a toddler can say completely understandable words, they have important things to say. Babies and children are often more interested in connecting with parents or other caregivers than playing with their toys.

The Baby Signing Book uses American Sign Language, which is ideal for babies and toddlers because:

• The ability of babies to understand what they see develops well before their ability to understand what they hear.
• The ability of a baby to speak develops between the ages of 12 and 18 months, while the ability to use American Sign Language develops between 6 and 12 months.
• Babies understand what they see much earlier than typically expected, and are able to sign well before they are able to talk.

The Baby Signing Book teaches parents 300 developmentally appropriate American Sign Language signs. With clear instructions for every sign, memory aid, song and game, the learning in this program is easy to follow and, most important, fun for all. Language milestones are charted throughout the book so progress can be charted. The book also features a variety of visual highlights that emphasize key concepts and interesting tips.

Adults can customize a program according to the family's needs and aspirations. With the dictionary of 300 symbols, this handbook is clearly the most user-friendly and comprehensive baby signing book available.

Customer Reviews (21)

seems simple enough
baby is 2 1/2 mos old and want to be prepared.we've been doing the "milk" sign when we're getting bottle ready and hopefully he'll get to know the routine.

easy to understand
We recently became serious about teaching our speech delayed 3 year old sign language and bought several books.I found the picture dictionary in this one to be great.They do the best job I've seen of explaining how to make the signs. Some books are confusing in their pictures, but I have found this book very clear and easy to understand; and they have had most of the words we have wanted so far.I just copy the words we want to learn and put them on the fridge, then when we know those, we copy more for the fridge. I would highly recommend this book for anyone wanting to learn sign language for their babies/toddlers.

A helpful book
My little boy loves the pictures, and after 2 weeks my two year old, one year old and I have all learned about 20 signs and haven't needed one that isn't in the book yet.

signing
This is a comprehensive book with clear instructions.We are teaching our baby a few signs to start with, eat and bath.After several weeks he seems to recognize them.He is 6 months old so we don't expect him to perform the signs himself, though we sometimes help him do them.We like the concept of using signing as a helpful way of early communication.

So easy to understand and do.
A lot of easy to use and usable signs for you and your child. Bought for my husband to learn basics and for me to learn more. Can easily use as a reference to find a work quickly, and can incorporate it all into your everyday life/play. Perfect book for anyone with babies/small children as does not require a lot of time to sit and study. ... Read more

Product Description
This book is designed to help people successfully interact with Deaf American Sign Language users. Lessons are structured around language needed for common life situations and contain dialogues, grammar instruction, exercises, and vocabulary lists. For professionals and instructors who work with deaf people, or anyone who wants to learn sign language. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

Awesome ASL Book
I bought this book for my daughter. She is having a blast in her class and this book/cd set are terrific.

Not what I expected
I bought this DVD to go with the book for my sign language class, because I wanted all the extra help I could get outside of the classroom as well. I figured the DVD would show how to do the vocabulary words that are in the book, but it doesn't, and if you're home and don't remember how to do the sign the book doesn't explain how to do it like some of the other books do. I didn't have a choice about the book I had to buy it for my class, but I did have a choice about the DVD and if you have a choice I honestly wouldn't bother getting it, because you won't get anything extra out of it.

Excited about Sign Language
I have been participating in a Sign Language class for over 5 weeks now, using this material.It is SO easy to understand and makes for an incredible pathway to communicate with the Deaf community.I give it a double thumbs up!!

Learning ASL
This is not as easy as they discribe. I'm trying to learn for a new way of life and the DVD and workbook is hard to understand and work with because the DVD goes so fast that its doesn't work with the book.

Learning American Sign Language
The book came and was in good enough shape.It was delivered timely, but I purposely paid extra to get the book and the VHS, and only the book was delivered. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (3)

Excellent Material - DVD and Book
I would highly recommend this DVD/book.Monta makes signing fun and the DVD is educational for parent as well as child.My 15 month old is already using about 30 signs in a matter of weeks.The ability to do so has cut down on the communication gap frustration.I let my mom and sister watch the DVD and all kids in the area sat down (which rarely happens), absolutely intrigued.Two Thumbs Up!

Excellent for preventing toddler frustration!
Remember how you learned about the mantra "practice, practice, practice," in school, sports, music, dance, etc. - you name your own childhood activity?? ... Well, it's true....repetition creates awesome results.Reading this book will give you all the skills you need to know to teach your baby/child how to communicate at an early age.It takes practice and repetition, of course, but don't all good things in life require this....plus a little patience? :o)

Monta Briant's book is really a lifesaver when it comes to combating toddler frustration!My 8 month-old son started with the sign 'fan', and now at 17 month-old son is really starting to 'blossom' with his signing skills. He recently started taking a keen interest in Monta's flashcards too.Particularly the photos of her signing, which he always ignored before!It is really exciting to see his signing vocabulary growing along with his new, increased hand-eye coordination.Ms. Briant is incredibly gifted at helping parents communicate with our kiddos!If you don't believe in baby sign language....doubt no more, just try it and you will be surprised!!

Exactly what we wanted!
This book and DVD were all we needed to teach our daughter sign language.It was easy to read and follow.The ideas and methods make sense and we've had a blast with it.We gave it to her daycare providers so they could get involved as well.We started teaching her signs at 10 mos. She is now 14 mos and signs regularly.She loves to use her signs and you can tell how tickled she is that she can communicate to use without just pointing and whining.Great product! ... Read more

Product Description
Why are thousands of hearing parents signing with their hearing babies? According to a long-term study at UC Davis, funded by the National Institutes of Health, signing babies:

• talk sooner and have larger vocabularies• have stronger parent/child bonds• have less frustration, crying and tantrums• show more interest in books• engage in more sophisticated play• have increased IQ scores

Signing also increases baby’s self-esteem and gives parents a window into their child’s mind and personality.

In Baby Sign Language Basics, parents will learn 60 baby-friendly American Sign Language signs. Baby-specific signing techniques, songs, and games are included to make learning fun and easy, and also open up two-way communication quickly. Baby Sign Language Basics is the perfect baby sign language book for new parents. After all, what parent doesn’t want to know what their baby is trying to tell them? (And the book is even small enough for the diaper bag!) ... Read more

Customer Reviews (41)

Our girls love this book
I bought this book after my first daughter was born in 2004.We enjoyed many ( if not daily!) reading times looking at the pictures and learning the signs.She successfully signed several words before she talked- including signing "more" cereal when she had her 1st b'day cake in front of her(not a big sweet tooth)- great memory and what a wonderful tool to encourage early communication.My youngest is now 18 months.We have been reading the original book and she too has been signing away.She has taken to the book more and more and it's almost replacing a teddy- going to bed with it and toting it around(great little hands sized).So I looked online and was excited to see an expanded version with more signs.Considering it's current use level and adoration, my only wish is the publishers would print a board book next time.We would love to have the pictures and signs in a small but more durable format- the author was kind enough to answer an email and offer the suggestion of hole punching & ringing the flash card set, so we will have to try something with all the new options.Thank you Monta Briant, for writing and putting together an effective and fun book.I will definitely be looking at the new book for gifts and a much needed replacement!How I hated to see that first rip of the "baby" page- both my girls love this book and would sign thank you if you could see them!

Baby Sign Language Basics
This book was nice, but I didn't think it was really necessary.the flashcards were much better.

Love this book
Love this book. I bought it when my daughter was 6 months old and I have repeatedly referred to it looking for signs for different things.It does not have signs for everthing. I did buy another book at the same time I bought this one but this is the one that I consistently use almost on a daily basis. I love that my daughter can sign somthing to me because it means she doesn't get flustered trying to make me understand what she wants.Even now that she is 19 months old and speaking, she still uses signs along with her words.

Handy book
This is a very tiny book. But full of very practical information. I've heard so many good things about it from others too.

Gift for my new grandson
My son and daughter-in-law are very excited to begin teaching sign language to their first child.
Our purchase arrived in a timely manner and it was just as we expected from the information given in the ad. ... Read more

Product Description
Children are able to communicate by signing before they develop the skills necessary for speech. By teaching sign language to children from as young as seven months we can help them to convey their emotions and their needs. This first signing guide for hearing and deaf children contains over forty key signs. Designed for parents and carers to share with babies, with it's simple and clear instructions and endearing illustrations, this book is an ideal introduction to signing. A helpful tip is given at the bottom of each page to help beginners get started. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

Easy and Engaging for Children and Adults
We received this book as a gift for my first daughter.She loved the pictures of all the babies, and would often pick it as her bedtime story once she was old enough to choose.Using My First Signs as a springboard, she had learned over 75 baby signs by the time she was 18 months.It's very easy to interpret the signs from the pictures, and the illustrations are very bright and colorful.I especially like thie pictures of the examples (a toy dog for the "dog" sign).It helped us to relate the sign to a recognizable object.I highly recommend this book for any parent or caregiver who is interested in teaching their child baby signs.Many of our friends with new babies have even asked for it as a gift after seeing the success our children have had with it.

daughter loves this book
I didn't realize the book wasn't ASL either until I read the reviews. I actually didn't use this book to learn/teach signs. I found a great website with little ASL clips. However that being said my daughter now loves this book - it's one of her favorites to "read" because she can tell me everything each baby is saying. She's 18mo now so we're not teaching any more signs because she's starting to talk now. She knows about 70+ signs. I guess if you are teaching your child to sign for communication purposes other than to communicate before speech then this isn't the right book for you since it's not ASL. I often wondered why some of the signs were slightly different than what I taught my daughter! Now I know. It's a fun book because it has a lot of little things around the babies to teach as well - like a bathtub, a duck, a bottle etc. I was getting ready to order this for a friend but now I'm wondering whether I should

great
This book is awesome! My two year old is hearing impaired and I ordered most of the books in this series. I am impressed with the the way the author and illustrators have put this book together. It is the easiest book I have found to teach not only myself and my daughter sign, but also for my other school aged children to learn as well. I highly reccommend this book for anyone who wishes to learn sign.

Beautifullly illustrated "My First Signs" board book...
I bought this board book for my niece's 2nd birthday.She is neither deaf nor hard of hearing, however, she does have a slight delay in terms of verbal communication.My brother and sister-in-law have taught her a few signs, which she uses with enthusiasm.When I saw this book, I was excited because I thought it would expand on what she already knows and help her as she develops her communication skills.

The book is beautifully illustrated, so colorful and really nice to look at.Each baby is pictured using a different sign and next to the picture is a brief description of what the sign is (and how to make it).The descriptions are very easy to understand.

I was not aware when I bought the book that it uses British signs but that does not bother me (since my niece only uses signs to communicate with her parents and family).If she did need sign language to communicate with the rest of the world, then that fact would bother me since I'd want consistency for her.Otherwise, I think this book is a nice tool for developing babies.

Great Introduction!
I intorduced this book to my son at 9 months old and he loved it from the very beginning. He loved the illustrations and how big it was. We liked to prop the book on the couch and practice together.
I understand that some of the signs might be different than ASL, but I think to argue over that is missing the point. This book is meant as an INTRODUCTION. It is meant to just get your kids to understand that they can sign as a form of communicating and its fun.
My son quickly learned all the signs from this book and we have since had to move on to more advanced books. But he still loves to pull it out everyonce in a while for some reason and go back over it. I think its the illustrations. Since buying the book I have bought more books by the author and illustrator. He loves those too. ... Read more