Sign Language Made Simple

by Karen B. Lewis, Roxanne Henderson

Sign Language Made Simple includes five Parts:

Part One: an introduction, how to use this book, a brief history of signing and an explanation of how signing is different from other languages, including its use of non-manual markers (the use of brow, mouth, etc in signing.)
Part Two: Fingerspelling: the signing alphabet illustrated, the relationship between signing alphabet and ASL signs
Part Three: Dictionary of ASL signs: concrete nouns, abstractions, verbs, describers, other parts of speech-approx. 1,000 illustrations. Will also include instructions for non-manual markers, where appropriate.
Part Four: Putting it all together: sentences and transitions, includes rudimentary sentences and lines from poems, bible verses, famous quotes-all illustrated. Also, grammatical aspects, word endings, tenses.
Part Five: The Humor of Signing: puns, word plays and jokes.

Sign Language Made Simple has over 1,200 illustrations and is easy to use and fun to read.

Hardcover

First published August 1, 1997

Reviews

[Mimi · Rating 3 out of 5]

very helpful with conceptual ASL and some grammar. The "Vulgarity" chapter made no sense. It's the biggest no-no to sign anything offensive if you're not a seasoned signer. Why then put a chapter in for ASL learners? I still sign "month" as "condom" but it's always an honest mistake.