E-Z American Sign Language

This sign language book is a very complete guide to signing. While it would be hard to get every sign into a book, this covers almost every sign you would need. But it doesn't just hand you the signs, it also gives you detailed instructions and information on when to use particular signs, and other helpful explanations. For example, because sign language lacks audible intonation, you learn to watch facial expression to see if the speaker is serious, sarcastic, or scared. And because sign language contains fewer words than the English language, the deaf form sentences differently, leaving out short words such as "that", "the", and "did" that don't have meaning by themselves. After you've learned the basics, you begin with simple but important signs, like how to introduce yourself and respond to an introduction. After displaying the signs, the book gives extensive samples and activities to help you fully understand how and when to use the signs. As new signs are introduced, they are used alongside previously covered words in sample conversations and sentences until you are comfortable with them. A couple of pages are spent discussing each new group of words, both alone and in sentences. Instruction is given on keeping all the signs in the right order when signing longer sentences. After learning common signs and phrases, the chapters begin to cover signs used less frequently. You will learn pronouns, family members, places, times, feelings, days, months, question words, replies, everyday signs, jobs, objects, and tons of other words. Mixed in throughout are activities, reviews, and rules to further understanding and fluency. - Melissa