The History Of American Sign Language A S L

American Sign Language, commonly known as, "A.S.L." has a rich history that is seldom told. It is truly the original language of the United States. Just like the diversity of U.S.A. citizens, this language is an assimilation of languages and cultures blended together to create a unique language that has stood the test of time and controversies. This book explores the origins, heros, and development of this language. An easy to read format with photos and illustrations for readers of all ages to enjoy.

Answers basic questions about American Sign Language. What is it? What is its history? Who uses it? What is the Deaf community? Why is ASL important? What are the building blocks of ASL? What is the relationship between ASL and body language? What are examples of ASL grammar?

New 4th Edition completely revised and updated with new DVD now available; ISBN 1-56368-283-4.

Sign Language Made Simple will include 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 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.

"This study investigates the origins of American Sign Language, its evolution from French Sign Language, and evidence about the word formation process of ASL, including data from the 19th and early 20th century dictionaries as well as the Gallaudet Lecture Films."--

The first volume in a three-volume guide that introduces beginning students to conversational American Sign Language (ASL).