Teaching American Sign Language by category (for easy learning and fast reference), this 317-page book by Mickey Flodin presents more than 1400 signs. These are all the basic words used in everyday life; they even include a section on computer and technology terms. The book, which starts with signing basics and helpful hints, is full of clear instructive drawings supplemented by practical learning exercises (vocabulary reviews) that enhance sign recognition. Signs are categorized by subject, movements, and meaning and the detailed instructions attached to each illustration include memory aids - association techniques for fast recall. There is a comprehensive index of all entries and synonyms as well as a complete glossary of commonly used terms.

Signing Made Easy by the same author uses the dialogue method of instruction compared to this book’s categorical approach. Both are useful and, although the two books contain a certain amount of overlap in content, they would work well together. For me - a signing novice - this book was easier to follow because the instructions were written directly below the illustrations. I also think I would greatly appreciate the memory aids which demonstrate the common sense behind Sign. ~ Janice

Customer Review

 
Sue S. from Elkton, MI wrote the following on 02/08/2008:
I am a hearing person who wanted to learn ASL as a second language after learning some basic signs to use with my baby. "Signing Illustrated" was the textbook for the class I took in beginning American Sign Language. Since then, I have also recommended it to homeschoolers and adults who want to learn to sign on their own. It starts out with an interesting, concise history of the language with some information about Deaf culture, then gently introduces the basics of ASL including the hand shapes and the manual alphabet. It has 16 chapters of ASL vocabulary organized around logical topics such as "Family, People and Pronouns" in Chapter 1 to "Opposites and Questions" in Chapter 15. Once the reader understands how to make the hand shapes and some other basics covered in seven pages toward the beginning of the book, she or he is ready to choose any chapter and learn the signs. Each sign is illustrated with a line drawing of a person making the sign. There is also a written description of how to do it, plus memory aids (these really help me). A student could go through the book chronologically and learn all 1,400 signs, or skip to what interests them. If signing in church, they could go right to Chapter 9 "God and Religion," or if they want to be able to help people with first aid they could skip to Chapter 13 "Health, Medical and the Body." The chapters each end with practice pages so the student can test her or his knowledge immediately. I found these to be fun! The answers are in the back. I think the chapters are just the right length to learn many signs, yet still remember them by the end. I appreciate the comprehensive index at the end, making the book work a little like an ASL dictionary, as well. This book can be used for any age. Independent readers can read the short descriptions and learn to make the signs on their own. Younger children will need to have an older sibling or adult read the descriptions to them. That makes it great for the whole family to learn together!