The Hidden Treasure of Black ASL: Its History and Structure

by Carolyn McCaskill, Ceil Lucas, Robert Bayley

People who first encounter sign language often ask if deaf people around the world sign the same language. Frequently, they are surprised to learn that there are different sign languages in different nations worldwide, as well as variations of these languages. These variations depend on social factors such as region, age, gender, socioeconomic status, and race. One variation, Black ASL, has been recognized for years as a distinct form of sign language but only through anecdotal reports. This volume and its accompanying DVD present the first empirical study that begins to fill in the linguistic gaps about Black ASL. The powerful cast of contributors to The Hidden Treasure of Black ASL considered three questions in their study. First, what was the sociohistorical reality that made a separate variety of ASL possible? Second, what are the features of the variety of ASL that people call Black ASL? Third, can the same kind of unique features that have been identified in African American English be identified in Black ASL? This groundbreaking book and its companion DVD go far in answering these questions while also showing the true treasures of Black ASL.

Genres: Nonfiction, Disability, Linguistics, History, Language, Sociology

240 pages, Hardcover

First published May 31, 2011

Reviews

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly groundbreaking work in American linguistics and Deaf African American history. Too rich and thought-provoking to review just yet. One of the best scholarly works I've ever read. And watched. The DVD of cross-generational Black ASL signers is essential, peerless.

[Terynce · Rating 4 out of 5]

If we divide the book into history and structure, I really liked the history, but was less enthralled with the structure.

I'm a black, hearing, non-native ASL user.

As a doc student, I read a lot of research with APA formatted graphs. That's not where I go for pleasure most of the time. The information was wonderful, the examples as clear as they could have been in print. The book comes with a DVD that I've been unable to access, but that I'm sure would only enhance the experience.

The first time I came across this book I was citing it for a class so I read it differently. It's wonderful as a reference tool and accessible for people comfortable reading peer-reviewed journal articles.

[Bookworm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Saw the author and book mentioned in an article about Black ASL and was interested in it. I am not deaf and do not know any form of sign language but I was curious to see what the author had to say and hoped to learn more about Black ASL.

It would probably not be a surprise to many that Black ASL developed due to a need and a lack of resources due to racism, segregation, etc. Factors such as location, age, socioeconomic status, etc. all play a part. The book also examines how and what exactly makes Black ASL different from ASL.

Overall, I found it really tough to read. As mentioned, I do not have much knowledge in this area and this honestly read more like an academic resources for linguists, people interested in sign language, historians, etc. but I'm not sure how useful this is for a layperson.

Also worth noting that apparently this comes with a DVD but I got the e-book instead so I wonder if it might have helped if I had experienced it via the entire multimedia experience.

Borrowed from the library and that was definitely best for me. For the right audience, though, it'd probably be an excellent resource or reference.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for allies of the Black and Deaf communities and also for linguaphiles. Results from a thorough study about what makes Black ASL distinct. History of segregation of Black Deaf community is provided as well. Super interesting.

[Mimsy]

It's hard to rate a book that reads like a research paper, but this was my first solid dive into learning more about Black ASL, and I'm grateful for the resource and looking for more.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book!!! It gives the exact details of Black ASL and how it came about. It also showed ways to use it. Had a dvd too!!

If you are interested in Black American Sign Language..here is the book for you to learn.

[Wauktown Thumper · Rating 2 out of 5]

This had some interesting information in it but it was kind of slow. By that I mean there were times when I felt like the information was just repeating itself. It's nice to have this information out there though.

[Dacia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am an ASL nerd, this book was so thought provoking and I still use this information in my practice of ASL everyday.

[Fiona · Rating 4 out of 5]

THIS IS A PUBLISHED LINGUISTIC STUDY. I think its a great read but it does not need to be 100% if you don't sign or are not a linguist.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is eye opening and I highly recommend it. It is a must-read for anyone in the field of Deaf Education.

[Nia Paz · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing and genius