American Sign Language

by Catherine Nichols, David Bowell (Contributor)

Learning a new language is easier than you think! This informative book teaches you the basics of American Sign Language.

As many as two million Americans communicate with American Sign Language, making it the third most-used language in the United States. American Sign Language uses easy-to-follow photographs to teach you the alphabet, numbers, and simple words and phrases. Divided into categories—such as animals, people, and pronouns—the book and accompanying flash cards show you how to use your hands to communicate. Once you've learned the alphabet, you'll build on that knowledge to learn the words for “friend,” “family,” and so much more! And when you see how the words for “chicken” and “cat” evoke a chicken opening and closing its beak and a cat stroking its whiskers, you'll truly understand how intuitive and enjoyable learning American Sign Language can be!

Genres: Nonfiction

128 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2011

About the author

As the author of more than 60 books for readers of all ages, Catherine Nichols has written on a wide variety of topics, including art, animals, and ASL. And that's just the A's! When not writing and editing, she teaches fiction writing and provides editorial services to aspiring writers. She lives in the Philadelphia area with her husband and their much pampered pug.

Reviews

[Amber]

A good concise introduction to ASL, good for dipping ones toes in and getting some simple phrases down pat

[Jill]

Good introduction to ASL. Basic signs, signing tips, origins of ASL, and some information about Deaf culture. Came with flashcards and a DVD. The best way to learn ASL is in person with a Deaf instructor.