Want a NOOK? Explore Now
The fast and easy way to grasp this evolving and growing language
American Sign Language (ASL) is something we've 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 isn't just about using your fingers, hands, and arms, but also about facial expression and body language.
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.
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
Cheat Sheet for Signing For Dummies
From Signing For Dummies, with Video CD, 2nd Edition by Adan R. Penilla, II, Angela Lee Taylor
Deaf Etiquette Do's and Don'ts
As you become more confident in your ability to communicate through American Sign Language (ASL) and begin to meet Deaf acquaintances and form friendships, keep some simple etiquette do's and don'ts in mind.
Do's
• To get a Deaf person's attention, tap him or her on the shoulder or flick the light switch.
• Let a Deaf person know that you can hear and that you're learning Sign.
• If you're at a Deaf social function, allow the Deaf friend you came with to introduce you to others.
• Introduce yourself using your first and last name.
• Converse about sports, the weather, politics, pop culture, or whatever else you'd discuss with your hearing friends.
Don'ts
• Don't barge into a Deaf person's house because you think they can't hear the doorbell.
• Avoid ordering for a Deaf person in a restaurant, unless he or she asks you to do so.
• Never try to correct a Deaf person's signing or lecture them that they don't sign the way your instructor does.
• Don't initiate a conversation about a Deaf person's hearing loss. Asking such questions implies that you think of the person as broken or inferior.
Overview
The fast and easy way to grasp this evolving and growing language
American Sign Language (ASL) is something we've 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 ...