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Talking With Your Hands,
Listening With Your Eyes
A Complete Photographic Guide
to American Sign Language
Gabriel
Grayson
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ISBN: 0-7570-0007-X
Length: 390 Pages
Size: 8.5
x 11-inch
Format: Quality Paperback
Category: Referenced / Language Arts / Sign Language
Price: $26.95
Availability:
In Print
Contents
Reviews
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It is the third most commonly
used language in North America. It has its own beauty, its own unmistakable
form, and its own inherent culture. It is American Sign, the language
of the deaf. Now, Gabriel Grayson, teacher extraordinaire, has put
together a book that makes signing accessible, easy, and fun. Using
more than 1,400 photographs, he has created a comprehensive primer
to the techniques, words, and phrases of signing.
Each word is accompanied by a
photo or series of photos that show hand, face, and body expressions.
And along with each image is text that details every movement. The
book begins by looking at the history and nature of both the language
and the deaf community. Next, it explains the basics of signing,
including the alphabet, numbers, physical movements, and facial
expressions. The balance of the book provides a complete guide to
words in sign language. Throughout the book, the author has included
informative insets that focus on fascinating aspects of deaf history,
culture, language, and trivia. Inset topics include how sign language
got its start in baseball; how signing differs around the world;
the latest advances in electronic communications for the deaf; and
much more.
Although Gabriel Grayson
can hear, he is uniquely qualified to have authored this book. Born
to parents who were both totally deaf, Grayson's first means of
trained communication was sign language. The inspirational story
of his childhood was first the subject of a published article, and
then the basis for a moving ABC made-for-television movie. Professor
Grayson is the chairperson of the Department of Sign Language at
New School University in New York City. In addition, he is a principal
court-appointed sign language interpreter for the NYC judicial system.
As such, he has been involved in over 1,000 criminal cases as an
advocate and interpreter. Gabriel Grayson also conducts sign language
tours at the American Museum of Natural History for adults.
Contents
Acknowledgments
Preface
How to Use This Book
Introduction
1. The
Basics
2. Conversing--Common
& Polite Phrases
3. Pronouns,
People & Relationships
4. Actions
4. Home
and Clothing
5. Home
& Colthing
6. Mealtime
& Food
7. Numbers,
Math Terms, Quantity & Money
8. Days
of the Week & Time
9. Seasons,
Animals, Nature, & Weather
10. School
and Education
11. Careers,
Jobs & the Workplace
12. Sports
& Leisure
13. Location,
Direction & Travel
14. Cities,
States, Countries & Governments
15. The
Body & Health
16. Religion
& Holidays
17. Descriptions,
Thoughts & Emotions
Index
Reviews
"The format and content of Grayson's guide
totally demystify the process of learning sign language... Each
sign is explained in a foolproof way ... The clarity of the instructions,
coupled with the photos alongside them, makes self-teaching a reality.
Grayson's vast experience as a sign language teacher at the New
School University and as interpreter in prestigious courts, churches,
and museums shines forth in this outstanding book that also intermingles
deaf history and culture."
--Booklist (starred review), January 1, 2003
"Talking With Your Hands is as handsome,
useful and informative as a book of signs can get. For someone seriously
interested in using sign language, it's a great beginner's reference.
For someone who wants just a peek into that linguistic culture,
it's an eye-opener."
--Philadelphia Inquirer, Book Review April
21, 2003
"Gabriel Grayson has written a well-conceived
and cleverly designed book of basic sign language which should prove
to be useful to both beginners and more advanced students... their
treatment and choice make for a well-rounded and presented course
in ASL, and a special new dimension to the study of this fascinating
language."
"Well-conceived ... cleverly designed ... well-rounded ... [adds] a special new dimension to the study
of this fascinating language."
--Martin L. A. Sternberg, Ed.D. ASL Authority and
Bestselling Author of American Sign Language (November, 2002)
"Represent[s] nearly 1,800 words and phrases
... Grayson's instructions are detailed and clearly written ... especially valuable."
--Publishers Weekly
"[Grayson's] first book is a fine and unique
addition to the American Sign Language (ASL) field." Library
Journal "An outstanding, user-friendly resource for those interested
in learning ASL."
--School Library Journal
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