Table Of Content

Page i Learning Sign Language by Susan Shelly and Jim Schneck A Division of Macmillan General Reference A Simon & Schuster Macmillan Company 1633 Broadway, New York, NY 10019 inside front cover DEAR READER fold-out back cover THE COMPLETE IDIOT'S REFERENCE CARD Page ii To the brave, Deaf children who kept on signing through the age of oralism, despite the taunts and punishments to which they were subjected. ©1998 by Susan Shelly and Jim Schneck All rights reserved. No part of this book shall be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the publisher. No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of the information contained herein. Although every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, the publisher and author assume no responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of information contained herein. For information, address Alpha Books, 1633 Broadway, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10019-6785. THE COMPLETE IDIOT'S GUIDE TO and design are trademarks of Prentice-Hall, Inc. Macmillan Publishing books may be purchased for business or sales promotional use. For information please write: Special Markets Department, Macmillan Publishing USA, 1633 Broadway, New York, NY 10019. International Standard Book Number: 0-02-862388-6 Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 98-85701 00 99 8 7 6 5 4 3 Interpretation of the printing code: the rightmost number of the first series of numbers is the year of the book's printing; the rightmost number of the second series of numbers is the number of the book's printing. For example, a printing code of 98-1 shows that the first printing occurred in 1998. Printed in the United States of America Note: This publication contains the opinions and ideas of its author. It is intended to provide helpful and informative material on the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the author and publisher are not engaged in rendering professional services in the book. If the reader requires personal assistance or advice, a competent professional should be consulted. The author and publisher specifically disclaim any responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, which is incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and application of any of the contents of this book. Page iii ALPHA DEVELOPMENT TEAM Publisher Kathy Nebenhaus Editorial Director Gary M. Krebs Managing Editor Bob Shuman Marketing Brand Manager Felice Primeau Senior Editor Nancy Mikhail Development Editors Phil Kitchel Jennifer Perillo Amy Zavatto Assistant Editor Maureen Horn PRODUCTION TEAM Development Editor Nancy Warner Production Editor Robyn Burnett Copy Editor Lynn Northrup Cover Designer Mike Freeland Photo Editor Richard H. Fox Illustrator Jody P. Schaeffer Designer Dan Armstrong Indexer Nadia Ibrahim Layout/Proofreading Angela Calvert Megan Wade Page iv CONTENTS AT A GLANCE Part 1: Let's Start at the Very Beginning 1 1 So, You Want to Learn to Sign 3 Let us introduce you to American Sign Language. 2 Who Ever Thought of This Language? 15 How ASL came to be, despite widespread efforts to stop it. 3 But, Is It Really a Language? 29 Is a Language without words really a-language? You bet. 4 I'll Never Get This—Will I? 41 Suggestions and tips for learning and using ASL. Part 2: Preparing to Learn ASL 49 5 The Four Parts of a Sign 51 No sign is complete without four, basic components. 6 It's the Little Things That Make All the Difference 59 There's much more to ASL than hand motions. 7 Variations On a Basic Sign 69 There are various ways to clarify or classify a sign. 8 ABCs and So Forth 77 Learn the American Manual Alphabet and the importance of fingerspelling. 9 1—2—3s 85 You'll learn to count to a million in this chapter. Part 3: Signs You'll Need to Know 97 10 The Family Circle and Beyond 99 Family relationships can sometimes be rocky, but it's still good to know the signs for the people you love. 11 Home and Other Hangouts 109 Find out what makes the homes of Deaf people special, and the signs for common things found in homes. 12 It's Off to Work (or School) We Go 119 Knowing these signs will help you earn that promotion or advance to the head of the class. 13 Pets and Other Beasts 131 If it barks, roars, swims, or grows, we'll show you how to sign it. Page v 14 Anybody Hungry? 139 Next time you want a burger with fries, you'll be able to order it in ASL. 15 Clothing Basics 149 Learn the signs for everything from basics to bangles. 16 Clubs, Celebrations, and Occasions 155 You'll be the belle of the ball once you've learned these signs for special events and etiquette. 17 Weather or Not 163 Weather affects us all every day; let's look at the signs for those climatic considerations.