Reading Between the Signs Workbook: A Cultural Guide for Sign Language Students and Interpreters

by Anna Mindess

This helpful workbook functions as a companion and supplement to Anna Mindess's earlier book, Reading Between the A Cultural Guide for Sign Language Interpreters, a recognized classic text for sign language interpreters and ASL students. It is arranged to correspond with the theory presented in the book and expands its focus to the relativity of politeness and the distinction between direct and indirect communication styles, both of which are important elements in comparing Deaf and mainstream cultures. Hands-on exercises allow students to better comprehend the sometimes-puzzling differences of culturally appropriate behavior. The book also helps students explore their own culture as well as the American Deaf culture in ways that reveal the differences between the two. Role play, discussion topics and critical incidents increase first-hand understanding of the relationship between the Deaf and Hearing communities.

Genres: Amazon

144 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 3, 2003

About the author

I have worked as a sign language interpreter for more than 30 years and now specialize in legal interpreting.

My interest in culture goes way back. I've always found myself gravitating to a voice with a foreign accent to gain some perspective on my world by looking at it through other eyes.

I began learning ASL at CSUN when I was an actress in Los Angeles, after I saw a theater production with expressive Deaf actors. I quickly fell in love with the visual language and noticed what seemed like alternate ways that Deaf people approached things.

It was not until I discovered the field of Intercultural Communication in graduate school that everything clicked. I realized that a cultural perspective could explain so much about the interactions I witnessed and later interpreted for between Deaf and hearing people.

After immersing myself in the study of culture and writing about it as it applied to interpreters, I broadened my explorations to include food. I write for newspapers, magazines and websites about the intersection of food and culture.

My goal is the same: to understand myself as a cultural being in the world and help others to gain this perspective.

My blog East Bay Ethnic Eats
A website I share with Thomas K. Holcomb Deaf Culture THAT

Reviews

[JoAnn Luttrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard to find a good sign language workbook and this was perfect for me!

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic ASL workbook to accompany "Reading Between the Signs." Regardless of your level of ASL, this book gives your insight into the Deaf world an extra nudge. As a Deaf reader, I was impressed and look forward to reading more from this author. Keep in mind, however, that this is the WORKBOOK to accompany the theory book, and both books need to be read together to take full advantage of its contents.