The American Sign Language Phrase Book

by Lou Fant, Betty G. Miller (Illustrator)

This is the reference guide to everyday expressions in American Sign Language, providing the quickest way to converse with people who are deaf or hearing impaired. Now updated and expanded, this bestselling manual is clearly illustrated with thousands of line drawings and is very easy to use. Organized by topic, its chapters focus on areas such as health, family, school, sports, travel, religion, time, money, food and drink, and even small talk. A detailed discussion of ASL grammar (very different from English grammar) and a compact dictionary of signs are also included. This edition reflect the evolution of the language--changes in its grammar as well as changes that are a result of the recent movement toward replacing stereotypical signs with their neutral counterparts. The only ASL phrase book available, this handy guide can function as both an instant reference tool and a long-term study guide.

Genres: Reference, Language, Nonfiction, Education, How To, Textbooks, Self Help

368 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1983

Reviews

[T.L. Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read The American Sign Language Phrase Book with DVD by Lou Fant and Barbara Bernstein Fant because it was the assigned book for my American Sign Language Class. The first part of the book gives the reader instructions on how to use the book as well as a guide to ASL. While it might be tempting to skip these two sections, they actually hold some good tips for learning the language. There were times when I had a little trouble discerning the movements in the book. I think this is probably inevitable in this type of book as the book uses still drawings to depict movement that is sometimes slight. The DVD is incredibly helpful in learning the signs. I quickly learned in class that, like any language, ASL is a living language which means it changes to meet the needs of those using it. Our instructor pointed out when signs have changed or when new signs have been added, but if you're relying only on the book to learn, you have no way to know about these changes. Anyone interested in learning American Sign Language will benefit from The American Sign Language Phrase Book with DVD.

[Milton Louie · Rating 3 out of 5]

More of a reference book - not total read. B

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some of the illustrations are hard to follow, but I like that the signs are provided in themed phrases vice words.

[Tushar Kumar Roy]

It's a helpful book. Faced difficulties understanding certain gestures although learned enough to continue to sign .

[Krysta Halye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative! Although it is not exactly for people who have never studied ASL. Or if you haven't done any ASL before, this book would not be helpful by itself.

[Shane Kaler · Rating 4 out of 5]

👌🏻

[Emily Fisher · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh, not very helpful and kind of contradicting to what I've learned in class... oh well!

[Kate DW · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I recommend to beginning signers. It starts right away teaching everyday conversation (including common vocabulary & in the proper syntax) so the brilliance of communication never diminishes. If you've said before, "Ooh I'd love to learn sign language someday..." then make your wish a reality and just BEGIN! Happy hand-talking!

[P. Es · Rating 5 out of 5]

FANTASTIC book on signing; extensive use of facial expressions which make for the 'rich text' that is proper ASL. without it, you're pretty much 'speaking' monotone and 'writing' without punctuation. problem is images are stick people.

[Victoria Pike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Skip the sign language dictionaries and go straight for this book if you are an ASL novice. The perfect book to get a quick working vocabulary for basic communicating with a deaf person who uses ASL.

[Sara Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful book for learning ASL. Teaches not only words but phrases, grammar, and telling time. Only complaint is that some of the drawings are not clear and there could have been more everyday words added.

[Adih Respati · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read when writing my undergrad thesis. Fant reveals that sign language isn't word-for-word version of any of its oral counterparts. Best damn ASL book I have ever laid my hands on.

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

extremely useful for picking up everyday phrases and syntax.

[Mckenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

i am trying to learn sign language, it is very hard but i cando the abc's numbers1-12 ask questions like what it your name and what do you like to do. This book is helping me learn a lot more

[Sylvain · Rating 2 out of 5]

I bought this book years ago when I was into sign language. Since then, I've stopped caring, but I still wanted to finish the book. I finally did.

[Joy · Rating 2 out of 5]

My son is deaf. I learned ASL about 1971, when we adopted him. My first sign book..was Lou Fant. This is well organized, with a great DVD ..

[Annie Grace]

interesting

[Tai King · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful. I have been teaching myself sign language for about a year now. I read this book online through my library and it was super convenient because in each section there is a video that shows you all of the signs before you see the pictures.