The Art of Sign Language

by Christopher Brown

Learning sign language is a rewarding experience, which can lead to greater communication skill. This basic introduction guide is for people without any prior knowledge of using sign language. The approach to "Signed English" is based upon the way a child would first be taught their first language. In 17 separate sections, The Art of Sign Language teaches different themed exercises.ranging from everyday communication with people to the body, home, school, and leisure, eating, drinking and general descriptions.

Genres: Reference, Nonfiction, Language, Linguistics

256 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Librarian Note: There are multiple authors by this name in the Goodreads database.

Reviews

[rye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helped me quite a bit.... :)

[Brick ONeil · Rating 5 out of 5]

After I lost over 50% of my hearing in 2002 due to a genetic disease, Alports Syndrome, I found Christopher Brown's "The Art of Sign Language" so my then husband and I could understand each other a bit better. This is based on the concept of "Signed Exact English" and not "American Sign Language".

I'm not good with new languages and didn't have the patience or time to learn a new conceptual language in addition to a new way of communicating. What is brilliant about Mr. Brown's books, is they use "Signed Exact English", which follows the same rules of grammar as the English Language but uses ASL signs.

This would be for casual users of Sign Language or for more private conversations between friends or loved ones, not for professional Sign Language Interpreters.

Now that I have lost over 65% of my hearing and speech discrimination, I'm very grateful for Mr. Brown for creating and publishing this much easier way of using ASL signs for the common person. The signs are easy to learn and a fast way for those of us with neither the talent for or capacity to learn such a complicated and time consuming language as ASL is. "The Art of Sign Language" is so easy to learn and use, I've bought copies for friends and family, so we can finally communicate together with ease.

[Coco · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have a couple complaints about this book. Once you get past the direction confusion involved with trying to mirror the photos--which was the only way to do it, just confusing--sometimes the photos don't completely match up with the brief descriptions of each sign. For instance, some descriptions might say to use an "A"/thumbs up sign, where the photo shows an "S"/fist sign. There were also some three-part signs that could have done with three pictures to show each step.

But all in all, this is a good resource for beginners just wanting to get some vocabulary down for Signed English (NOT American Sign Language/ASL). Even with the inconsistencies, the descriptions are generally easy to understand. Some signs are hard to display in still photos, so I would use this book as a jumping off point into a more visual medium like video or actual conversation. (December 2008)

[Abby Allan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like how the signs are clear and how they split the signs into specific sections. But, it has R for right hand and L for left hand. That part is not clear. The book has a few key words but not too many. otherwise this book was great and, really hope you read it if you are learning sign language!

[Mary Z · Rating 2 out of 5]

Prospective readers should keep in mind that is Signed English, not American Sign Language.

[✧･ﾟ:* Lissii *:･ﾟ✧ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book, even as someone with prior knowledge of sign language, is extremely helpful in the development of my signing.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not ASL, rather English signing.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I took sign language classes in college and received my sign language certificate in 2002. It was so much fun not just to learn another language, but to have the chance to interact with deaf people! So this book was a lot of fun to read and even helped me brush up on vocabulary a bit.

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy reference book for sign language

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the texts that helped me learn sign language. Easy to use, it is especially good when used with additional reference books.

[Alana S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very informative and helpful! I have lately taken an interest to sign language and now, having read this, I can form simple sentences!

[Tonya Eutsey]

tonya eutsey you home deaf say

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mitch found it difficult to suspend belief. I thought it a bit too contrived for my liking. I was able to suspend belief with Her Fearful Symmetry on the other hand :)