The American Sign Language Phrase Book,   ISBN:9780071497138

Customer Rating: 

This is a good ASL phrase book. However, there are several signs missing used in basic conversation. Also, some of the drawings are hard to understand. It is a much more updated version than the typical old school signing book.

Customer Rating: 

like the book, although certain signs look the same and or are hard to figure out how to sign. despite those things would recommend this book any time to learn a language just for fun :)

Customer Rating: 

90% of the books on "How to sign" should be sent to the trash heap. This is a happy exception. Lou Fant, one of the acknowledged masters both of ASL/English interpreting (his work is legendary in the field) who has taught and coached thousands, wrote this delightful little book which demonstrates sentences in real ASL, provides brief, but accurate descriptions of ASL grammar, uses diagrams which show exactly the right amount of detail (one of the benefits of comics), and shows a gentle humor throughout the book. Other books here are either NOT ASL, have dated or inaccurate descriptions, or are too technical for the average reader. For the most part, they are also written by people who can charitably be described as living in the long shadow cast by Lou Fant. After his passing, his wife Barbara (Deaf and a Master in the field of ASL Instruction) has done a fine job of updating the material to reflect current sensibilities (for instance, when this work was first published in the 1980s, DVDs didn't exist). If this book whets your appetite, check out the Bravo Family series by Sign Enhancers (overpriced, but good), or a course at your local community college.

Customer Rating: 

I have "ASL the easy way"American Sign Language The Easy Way and I really like it but the grammar instructions could be a bit complicated for the average person. I also have "ABC's of sign"A Basic Course in American Sign Language- expensive - not worth the money if you ask me. Kinda hard to follow. No flow to the book(my opinion). Also think a number of the signs are kinda out of date. This book by the Fants is awesome. Very simple practical explainations of how the grammar of asl works along with some good insights into Deaf culture. Contains new technology signs. MOST important by far though are the illustrations. They show the correct facial expressions for each sentence which is a BIG plus. While some other books have detailed drawings that should show expression clearly sometimes it's muddled in the artwork. However, the simple cartoon-type drawings in this book capture the feeling and expressions needed to truly converse in ASL. I am super impressed with the artists ability to show so much with simple lines. Also very well written. My new favorite ASL book.

Customer Rating: 

I Knew nothing about sign language and this is very helpful and has lots of diffrent things to learn! would recommend for anyone wanting basic skills of sign lauguage!