Signing For Dummies, with Video CD

by Penilla, Adan R.; Taylor, Angela Lee

• ISBN13: 9781118117583
• ISBN10: 1118117581
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2012-06-05
• Publisher: For Dummies

Summary

The fast and easy way to grasp this evolving and growing language American Sign Language (ASL) is something weve all seen deaf people use in restaurants, hospitals, airports, and at work. The communication is fascinating to watch; to see people sharing ideas by using handshapes and body language is remarkable in a world so defined by sound. This new edition of Signing For Dummies gives you a general understanding of the properties of Sign, as well as an understanding of deaf culture. Designed to act as an introduction or a refresher, the book focuses solely on ASL, which is the most commonly used sign language in the United States. Categorized by subject, this illustrated guide covers grammar and sentence structure, along with the tools to get you going in basic conversation by knowing how to introduce and greet people; ask questions and make small talk; order food and chat with salespeople; handle medical emergencies; talk on the phone; get around town for fun or business; and much more. Plus, it stresses how ASL isnt just about using your fingers, hands, and arms, but also about facial expression and body language. More than 25 percent new and revised content, including the latest technological advances for the deaf; contact signing, code mixing, code switching, interpreting as a profession, and regionalism in signing Packed with "Fun & Games" sections that invite you to practice specific signs#60;/li> Hundreds of illustrations throughout, plus a video CD featuring demonstrations by ASL signers showing actual conversations Signing For Dummies is the fast and fun way to get you moving your hands, body, and face to convey meaning that reaches beyond linguistic barriers.

Author Biography

Adan R. Penilla II, PhD, teaches American Sign Language at Colorado State University and is a freelance interpreter for the Colorado court system.

Angela Lee Taylor is the Interpreter Coordinator at the Colorado Springs School for the Deaf and Blind.

Table of Contents

Introduction 1

Part I: Getting Started 7

Chapter 1: Finding Out That You Already Know a Little Sign 9

Chapter 2: Warming Up with Signing Grammar Basics 21

Chapter 3: Starting to Sign Basic Expressions 47

Chapter 4: Getting Your Numbers and Times Straight 73

Chapter 5: Signing at Home 87

Part II: American Sign Language in Action 107

Chapter 6: Asking Questions and Making Small Talk 109

Chapter 7: Asking for Directions 137

Chapter 8: Dining and Going to the Market 159

Chapter 9: Shopping Made Easy 187

Chapter 10: The Signer About Town 215

Chapter 11: Takin’ Care of Business 233

Chapter 12: Recreation and the Great Outdoors 247

Chapter 13: Here’s to Your Health 277

Part III: Looking into Deaf Life and Interpreting 297

Chapter 14: The Deaf Community and Deaf Etiquette 299

Chapter 15: Interpreting: Are You Interested? 313

Chapter 16: Using Technology to Communicate 321

Part IV: The Part of Tens 327

Chapter 17: Ten Tips to Help You Sign like a Pro 329

Chapter 18: Ten Ways to Pick Up Sign Quickly 333

Chapter 19: Ten Popular Deaf Expressions 337

Part V: Appendixes 343

Appendix A: Answer Key to Fun & Games 345

Appendix B: About the CD 347

Index 351