Talking With Your Hands, Listening With Your Eyes: A Complete Photographic Guide to American Sign Language

From the instruction of a single deaf individual, I have developed a rudimenary knowledge of sign language: the alphabet, numbers, various greetings, some nouns and adjectives. This book has helped me to reinforce what I know, clean up the sloppy signing I had been doing, and learn new things. I have had trouble learning signs from books in the past because I would often miss something important. With this book, I've felt very comfortable with the new signs because of the format. The combination of specific written descriptions with pictures gives a very understandable way to learn new signs. The added bonus of mnemonic devices to remember which sign is which is very helpful. It's embarrassing to admit, but I kept confusing the signs for "yes" and "no" until I read the helpful hints in this book - not a good thing to get wrong!

There may be books with more words in them, but I would recommend this book for all beginners, and advanced beginners like myself. Once the signs here are learned (and as in my case cleaned up considerably), then start looking for more comprehensive works. I've been practicing about 30-100 words a night depending on how many I already knew and feel very confident that I'm finally doing them correctly.


Most Helpful Sign Language Book I've Found!   May 12, 2003
David E. (Utah, United States)
14 out of 14 found this review helpful

This book edges ahead of others in that it features clear photographs, has words listed topically, and explains deaf history and culture throughout the book. It is much easier to use than books with a "dictionary" layout. The author has the experience and backing to know what works. I highly recommend it.


Best Book To Sign   June 13, 2007
Kenneth Locklear
13 out of 13 found this review helpful

This is the best book I have found to learn to sign.
I kept the copy from the library checked out for so long, and kept going overdue, and was wearing it out, I figured I'd best go ahead and purchase my own copy.
I tried other books, but they were useless to me.
I purchased a dvd set from amazon, but the dvd set was horrible - and if your looking for sign dvd's, you'll see which one (set) I warn you about.
A couple copies of this book (you'll will wear this hvy duty book out - from much use) or a hard bound edition will get you communicating w/ your deaf friend quickly - but you have to study.
Money well spent.


Excellent resource   January 14, 2006
A. Benson
11 out of 11 found this review helpful

This book has quickly become one of my favorite sign language reference books. Though I prefer a dictionary when searching for a particular sign (Perigee and Random House are my favorites), this book is excellent for studying and increasing vocabulary. My favorite feature is that there are two pictures per sign in most cases. You can see how the sign starts and how it finishes versus trying to discern the motions from arrows in other books I've used. I also appreciate the selections throughout the book on deaf history, culture, technology, etc.


Comprehensive. A great guide for beginners.   January 18, 2003
10 out of 10 found this review helpful

This is a clearly written and helpful guide, authored by the hearing son of two deaf parents. Its breadth of coverage, attention to details, and hundreds of photographs make this book stand out.

I especially appreciated the insets, which added insight into deaf culture.