Communicating in Sign: Creative Ways to Learn American Sign Language (ASL)

by Diane P. Chambers

American Sign Language (ASL) is the primary means of communication among the 22 million deaf and hard-of-hearing people in this country—and those who live and work with them.
Communicating in Sign revolutionizes the way ASL is taught by offering a beginning vocabulary based on the grammar and syntax of native signers and illustrating the eye contact, facial expressions, and body language that accompany hand and mouth movements. This breakthrough approach to mastering ASL, written for a general audience, is an invaluable resource for anyone eager to learn a language that is rapidly becoming part of our mainstream culture and also for educators, businesses,and organizations working to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Communicating in Sign places ASL within the context of Deaf culture and etiquette, delineating the components that contribute to its depth and richness.

176 pages, Paperback

First published July 8, 1998

Reviews

[Kevyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is refreshing in that it explains that American Sign Language does NOT equal American English in form. Chambers even goes further in explaining the etiquette of certain social situations... that there are necessary cultural differences between Deaf and Hearing worlds and also gives suggestions on how to become less of a "tourist" in the Deaf community.

Many of the exercises require a partner or group, but if you are learning alone, this in no way devalues the information here. You won't find what you are looking for here if you are only looking for a lexicon, but it is a valuable addition to a beginner's American Sign Language library. I feel much more comfortable in communicating after reading this book.

My one disappointment was that the promised "further reading and resources" section at the end was not as comprehensive as I was expecting. I was hoping for more resources for beginners, including videos.

[Vero · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wouldn't have been a very helpful book for a beginner. But it is certainly a good supplement to other learning and with some good exercises for learning in a group.
I was using it as a refresher for myself. While some of the signs they explained were different than the ones I learned in my classes, it was quite helpful overall!
I especially liked how often context and origins for signs or unique features of Deaf culture were provided.

[B · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great supplement to my class, this book has gone way beyond my instructor and textbook on explaining how sign language works, the importance of eye contact and emotional expression, and polite ways to converse with the deaf community. I also appreciate the author's selection of words and concepts to learn first in sign language, only some of which overlaps and enforces things I've learned already.

[Kevin G · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book definitely provides a better perspective on the deaf culture and way of life as well as ASL. I really like the analogies and descriptions on proper deaf etiquette from the hearing perspective.