The Complete Idiot's Guide to Learning Sign LanguageAccording to the American Sign Language Institute, American Sign Language is the fourth most used language in the United States. Since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990, a new era of communication between hearing and deaf communities has formed, and education systems from grade schools through university level have offered classes on signing. This comprehensive guide to using and understanding American Sign Language intended for both the hearing impaired, their friends and families, and the millions who have always wanted to know how to do it includes simple instruction on the alphabet, the hand symbols, what to do in cases of miscommunication, and listings of institutes and courses, as well as clear line drawings throughout. |
Common terms and phrases
Add the person American Manual Alphabet American Sign Language ASL signs body language Chapter chest chin compound signs Deaf child Deaf children Deaf clubs Deaf community Deaf culture Deaf person Deaf president Deaf students EXTRA Sign facial expression facing your body finger spelling fingers pointed fingertips front Gallaudet University handshape hard of hearing hearing loss important index finger extended indicates the motion indicates the shape initialized sign interpreters l'Epée Laurent Clerc learn ASL learn sign language learn to sign Least You Need left hand left palm look means middle fingers move your hands move your right Need to Know parents person marker Pidgin Sign English questions remember right hand right index finger school for Deaf shapes and palms shoulder Sign English signer Signing Exact English Signposts someone speak spoken language teacher tell things Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet thumb tion touch understand wrist