Organizes 1,600-plus ASL signs by 40 basic hand shapes rather than in alphabetical word order. This format allows users to search for a sign that they recognize but whose meaning they have forgotten or for the meaning of a new sign they have seen for the first time. The entries include descriptions of how to form each sign to represent the varying terms they might mean. Index of English glosses only. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Beginning signers can now improve their recognition of the most commonly used signs with this easy-to-follow handbook. Illustrates 800 common signs organized by topics including food, travel, family, sports and more. 800 illustrations.

Sample Text

New to Random House Webster's successful American Sign Language reference line: the important medical terms a patient or doctor needs to communicate in ASL, clearly described and illustrated. Whether in a medical emergency or a routine doctor's visit, it is crucial for medical professionals to communicate effectively with deaf patients. Here at last is an affordable and thorough dictionary of medical terms in American Sign Language, which is needed by the deaf and the medical community alike. Over 1,000 important signs for medical terms, including signs for illnesses, treatments, drugs, and anatomy, are defined in English (to avoid dangerous mix-ups), described with step-by-step instructions for making the sign, and fully illustrated with full-torso drawings in this easy-to-use reference book, the first in a series dedicated to special-interest American Sign Language. The only affordable medical reference in American Sign Language Every entry includes full-torso illustrations and clear descriptions of how to make the sign Includes important medical terms, from anatomy to treatments

"Dictionary of all know texts featuring illustrations of early American Sign Language and historical images of French Sign language and linking them with contemporary signs"--

Created by an unparalleled board of experts led by renowned ASL linguist and poet Clayton Valli, The Gallaudet Dictionary of American Sign Language contains over 3,000 illustrations. Each sign illustration, including depictions of fingerspelling when appropriate, incorporates a complete list of English synonyms. A full, alphabetized English index enables users to cross-reference words and signs throughout the entire volume. The comprehensive introduction lays the groundwork for learning ASL by explaining in plain language the workings of ASL syntax and structure. It also offers examples of idioms and describes the antecedents of ASL, its place in the Deaf community, and its meaning in Deaf culture. This extraordinary reference also provides a special section on ASL classifiers and their use. Readers will find complete descriptions of the various classifiers and examples of how to use these integral facets of ASL. The Gallaudet Dictionary of American Sign Language is an outstanding ASL reference for all instructors, students, and users of ASL. *Please note that this paperback edition does not include the DVD found in the hardcover edition.