Part 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 the signing alphabet illustrated, the relationship between signing alphabet and ASL signs Part Dictionary of ASL concrete nouns, abstractions, verbs, describers, other parts of speech-approx. 1,000 illustrations. Will also include instructions for non-manual markers, where appropriate. Part Putting it all sentences and transitions, includes rudimentary sentences and lines from poems, bible verses, famous quotes-all illustrated. Also, grammatical aspects, word endings, tenses. Part The Humor of puns, word plays and jokes.
Sign Language Made Simple will have over 1,200 illustrations, be easy to use, fun to read and more competitively priced than the competition. It's a knockout addition to the Made Simple list.
Well rounded reference book for the ASL beginner! I really appreciated the history of signing, and have found most of the diagrams to be clear and helpful. My instructor has pointed out some updates or other ways to sign a few of the signs since the publication, but I have really enjoyed this book. Paired with online demonstrations of some of the signs, I think this is a great resource and what I have learned will stick.
It's a good book for learning sign language and syntax, but some of the signs have changed, so you have to look them up to verify which ones have changed, but it is a good reference book!