[close] American Sign Language (ASL) is something we've all seen Deaf people use in restaurants, hospitals, airports, and throughout the marketplace. The communication is fascinating to watch; to see people sharing ideas by using handshapes and body language is remarkable in a world so defined by sound.

Signing For Dummies gives you a general understanding of the properties of Sign, as well as an understanding of Deaf culture. Designed to act as an introduction or a refresher, the book focuses solely on ASL. Although certainly not the only form of Sign Language, ASL is the most popular in the Deaf community within the United States.

Categorized by subject, this illustrated guide covers grammar and sentence structure, along with the tools to get you going in basic conversation by knowing how to <ul type="disc"> <li>Introduce and greet people <li>Ask questions and make small talk <li>Order food and chat with salespeople <li>Handle medical emergencies <li>Talk on the phone <li>Get around town for fun or business </ul>

Although "speaking" American Sign Language (ASL) is mostly a matter of using your fingers, hands, and arms, facial expression and body language are important and sometimes crucial for understanding Signs and their meaning. Signing For Dummies gets the whole body into the action as the fun-to-read resource explores <ul type="disc"> <li>Signs that look like what they mean <li>Expression of emotions and feelings <li>Signing sports and weather <li>Compass points conversations: Getting or giving directions <li>Descriptions of where it hurts <li>Deaf community customs, norms, and culture </ul>

Each chapter throughout the book invites you to practice specific Signs in a "Fun & Games" section. Translation guides complement the video CD-ROM, which features demonstrations by ASL Signers and actual conversations in progress – all designed to have you moving your hands, body, and face to convey meaning that reaches way beyond linguistic barriers. [close]