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.

Through his research over the years, Dr Supalla, who is deaf, has identified the name sign system which has a pattern to forming and giving name signs within the deaf communities. The need for a formal name sign book has risen dramatically with the increasing use of inappropriate name signs. There is a comprehensive guide and a list of over 500 name signs to help people to select appropriate name signs according to the American Sign Language (ASL) rules of formation and use. The book is written to be both informative and entertaining, and Dr Supalla compels all who are interested to become more aware of deaf people's intriguing signed language and culture, both dating back to the early years of deaf education.

"A must-read! An enlightening book ... a defining document in the literature of Deaf culture." - Linda Bove, Certified Deaf Interpreter, Actress, Consultant In Reading Between the Signs, Anna Mindess provides a perspective on a culture that is not widely understood-American Deaf culture. With the collaboration of three distinguished Deaf consultants, Mindess explores the implications of cultural differences at the intersection of the Deaf and hearing worlds. Used in sign language interpreter training programs worldwide, Reading Between the Signs is a resource for students, working interpreters and other professionals. This important new edition retains practical techniques that enable interpreters to effectively communicate their clients' intent, while its timely discussion of the interpreter's role is broadened in a cultural context. NEW TO THIS EDITION: New chapter explores the changing landscape of the interpreting field and discusses the concepts of Deafhood and Deaf heart. This examination of using Deaf interpreters pays respect to the profession, details techniques and shows the benefits of collaboration.

Grasp the rich culture and language of the Deaf community To see people use American Sign Language (ASL) to share ideas is remarkable and fascinating to watch. Now, you have a chance to enter the wonderful world of sign language. American Sign Language For Dummies offers you an easy-to-access introduction so you can get your hands wet with ASL, whether you're new to the language or looking for a great refresher. Used predominantly in the United States, ASL provides the Deaf community with the ability to acquire and develop language and communication skills by utilizing facial expressions and body movements to convey and process linguistic information. With American Sign Language For Dummies, the complex visual-spatial and linguistic principles that form the basis for ASL are broken down, making this a great resource for friends, colleagues, students, education personnel, and parents of Deaf children. Grasp the various ways ASL is communicated Get up to speed on the latest technological advancements assisting the Deaf Understand how cultural background and regionalism can affect communication Follow the instructions in the book to access bonus videos online and practice signing along with an instructor If you want to get acquainted with Deaf culture and understand what it's like to be part of a special community with a unique shared and celebrated history and language, American Sign Language For Dummies gets you up to speed on ASL fast.

This text broadens students' knowledge of the Deaf community and Deaf culture. It also gives important and meaningful context to American Sign Language.

This book details a study of sign language brokering that is carried out by deaf and hearing people who grow up using sign language at home with deaf parents, known as heritage signers. Child language brokering (CLB) is a form of interpreting carried out informally by children, typically for migrant families. The study of sign language brokering has been largely absent from the emerging body of CLB literature. The book gives an overview of the international, multi-stage, mixed-method study employing an online survey, semi-structured interviews and visual methods, to explore the lived experiences of deaf parents and heritage signers. It will be of interest to practitioners and academics working with signing deaf communities and those who wish to pursue professional practice with deaf communities, as well as academics and students in the fields of Applied Linguistics, Intercultural Communication, Interpreting Studies and the Social Science of Childhood.

Ever asked (or heard) these questions: "Don't all deaf people read lips?" "Is it OK to say 'deaf-mute' & 'deaf-&-dumb'?" "Do all deaf people benefit from hearing aids?" Ever wondered where you could find answers to these & others, in a nontechnical, easy-to-use format? FOR HEARING PEOPLE ONLY fills this gap. It presupposes no prior acquaintance with Deaf Studies, sign language, or any "Deaf" knowledge at all, & is written in a simple, clear, entertaining style. As the deaf co-authors write: "Hearing people--those with normal hearing--do not think of themselves as being 'hearing people.' They see themselves as people. You are the insiders. To you, we deaf people are the outsiders. You call us 'deaf people.' But we deaf people see non-deaf people as the outsiders--'hearing people.' To deaf people, the non-deaf majority are 'hearing people.'" Without doubt, there is a need for such a book. FOR HEARING PEOPLE ONLY is intended for students & laypeople (like you). Prepaid orders only to: HPO Book, 85 Farragut Street, Dept. RB, Rochester, NY 14611-2845. $14.95 ppd., NY residents add $1.05 sales tax.