Learn American Sign Language: Everything You Need to Start Signing * Complete Beginner's Guide * 800+ signs

by James W. Guido

American Sign Language (ASL) is a vibrant, easy-to-learn language that is used by approximately half a million people each day. Current with the latest additions to ASL and filled with thousands of brand new photographs by Deaf actors, Learn American Sign Language is the most comprehensive guide of its kind.

- Learn more than 800 signs, including signs for school, the workplace, around the house, out and about, food and drink, nature, emotions, small talk, and more.

- Unlock the storytelling possibilities of ASL with classifiers, easy ways to modify signs that can turn "fishing" into "catching a big fish" and "walking" into "walking with a group."

- Find out how to make sentences with signs, use the proper facial expressions with your signs, and other vital tips.

Genres: Nonfiction, Linguistics

256 pages, Spiral-bound

First published September 30, 2015

Reviews

[Hecka · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really expected more understanding of how to string together phrases and how to engage with another person as opposed to learning individual words, dictionary style. I did learn how to sign a few more phrases.

[The Quarto Group · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great step by step instructions and now there is a kit!

[Kevin Driskill · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good reference for ASL for modern life.

[Regine · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was very informative, had a lot of signs, but did not have all signs in book.

[Naomi · Rating 1 out of 5]

I personally did not like this book because after you get through explanation (which was pretty interesting) the next hundred or more pages are all just words in sign language and some of them of tiny explanations on how to do them and it just didn’t really speak an interest in me. I feel like it would have been more interesting if it had a more detailed explanation for each of the sig

[Silas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book pretty interesting, this book is good for if you’re trying to learn a new language or just to see how sign language works. It’s all in English and has a brief description on how to use the hand motions and facial expression while you do that. It shows you how to say a variety of things from questions, objects, food and emotion.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

To me personally, I really like this book. This book is very cool and shows how to make signs for those who are wanting to learn sign language. I think this book is helpful and brings up good signs for conversations. I would recommend this book to a friend who would want to read and learn sign language.

[Sebastian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book talked about different letters and numbers in sign language. This book really helps people who want to know how to do sign language and who want to learn it for people who can’t talk. I think this book is very useful. I recommend this book to people who want to help others in need and want to learn the basics of sign language.

[jessica ☾ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great picture references, my only complaint is that there are a few extremely simple words that I felt should have been included that weren't. Otherwise a good beginners guide!

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think the author did a good job writing this book because it explains how to sign in very easy to learn ways.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent introductory book to ASLary. Easy to understand and supplement further reading around grammar and syntax.

[Uhh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book

[Stephani · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has some really useful information about facial expressions etc that I haven’t found in other books. I had checked this out from the library but will be buying my own copy for reference!

[Sydney☕️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally something I would love to own :)

[Daniel Dickerson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not an ASL Jedi or anything now, but I have a much better understanding of the basics, which is really cool. I’mma hold onto this one for a hot minute (sorry CR, I love you).

[Mary Foxe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Skimmed.

Clear pictures and explanations.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. Very user friendly and clear. Easy to read to and understand.

[ツツ]

The diagrams are quite clear compared to other ASL guides; however, it's still preferable to learn from videos. I find this book good for reviewing signs.

[Cana · Rating 1 out of 5]

I personally did not like this book because after you get through explanation (which was pretty interesting) the next hundred or more pages are all just words in sign language and some of them of tiny explanations on how to do them and it just didn’t really speak an interest in me. I feel like it would have been more interesting if it had a more detailed explanation for each of the signs.

[Chazz]

I how not read it yet but think it's going to be good 👍