Language in Motion: Exploring the Nature of Sign

by Jerome D. Schein, David A. Stewart

Language in Motion invites readers to explore the fascinating nature of American Sign Language (ASL).

       This enjoyable book first introduces sign language and communication, follows with a history of sign languages in general, then delves into the structure of ASL. Later chapters outline the special skills of fingerspelling and assess the academic offshoot of artificial sign systems and their value to young deaf children.

       Language in Motion offers for consideration the process required to learn sign language and putting sign language to work to communicate in the Deaf community. Appendices featuring the manual alphabets of three countries and a notation system developed to write signs complete this enriching book. Its delightful potpourri of entertaining, accessible knowledge makes it a perfect primer for those interested in learning more about sign language, Deaf culture, and Deaf communities.

240 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1995

Reviews

[Diane]

A good introduction to the world of sign language and its history. It is not a book for learning sign language by itself rather it is for those who want to have a better understanding of ASL and its complexities.

[Erin Becker]

This book was a very mixed bag. A lot of useful information and a decent broad overview of some of the history and structures of sign language (with a focus on American Sign Language). However, much too much speculation for my taste. A good place to start if you're not too susceptible to random conjectures (like early humans must have used signs before spoken language).