September Read/John

Book report for 2015-09-15/T

THE LITTLE BOOK OF SIGN LANGUAGE
Text: Written by Jason Rekulak
Dust Jacket & Interior:
Photographed: Steven Raniszewski/BCP
Designed: Terry Peterson
Produced: In cooperation with the Pennsylvania School for the Deaf

This book, being both small and with only 127 pages, is meant as a teaser to entice ones interest in American Sign Language (ASL). Like a dead battery can be 'jumped' by a good voltage source, ones pursuit might well be stimulated to passion by the well illustrated lessons given in easy to read fonts for detailed texts describing this language's uniqueness. The beginning 'signing' is well covered along with the explanation that eye contact, facial expressions, and body language play a crucial role.

First, the alphabet is covered. Then their excellent way of showing the numbers zero through ten, and how their signs work while having to use only one hand. Greetings and salutations come next, covering from hello and goodbye, then to  congratulations and excuse me, to the very important 'magic words' of please and thank you. Also included are some emotions, family members, favorite foods, animals, and references to learn more.

From the beginnings of sign language in America in1694 when the deaf Englishman Jonathan Lambert moved to Martha's Vineyard (MA) with his seven sons, two of whom were also deaf, to the system used today, this informative book is an excellent way to begin learning this intriguing way of communicating. It's small size make it convenient to actually carry in ones pocket to enable studying throughout the day when small amounts of time can be easily snatched between other projects. This resource, then, is obviously highly recommended. So until another book report, picture me with my right hand up and my fingers moving up and down - as if I were waving goodbye.