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According to Wikipedia, ASL is a complete and organized visual language that is expressed by facial expression as well as movements and motions with the hands. Like any other language, you will need some good resources to learn ASL and that is about today’s blog post is.
In this blog post, we will share with you our top picks for the best American sign language book. Whether you are a beginner or an intermediate learner, there is sure to be a book on this list that meets your needs.
Table of Contents
What is the best way to learn sign language?
The best way to learn sign language is by having deaf friends or being a deaf person yourself. However, if you don’t have access to any of these opportunities you can take advantage of what’s out there for you which might be good enough for the time being.
Learning sign language manually by using pen and paper in this day and age would be ridiculous. The internet is packed with wonderful courses and videos to get you started. So, learning from videos would be the top priority. However, After watching some videos and getting familiar with the basic sign language you can pick books.
Books will help you to learn sign language deeply…But just remember, only books will not going to help you. Practice as you go through the chapters will only help. We’ll recommend some good books, but before that here are some online resources for learning ASL.
Some Good websites to learn ASL:
Best youtube channel to learn ASL:
https://www.youtube.com/c/billvicars/videos
https://www.youtube.com/c/aslrochelle/videos
https://www.youtube.com/c/ASLMeredith/videos
Best Sign Language Books For Beginners
1. Signing Naturally: Student Workbook, Units 1-6 by Cheri Smith
Learning American Sign Language has never been easier! With this book, you can learn at your own pace and become proficient in ASL in no time. The book is easy to read and understand, and the associated DVDs are highly beneficial. You can learn ASL on your own with the help of this book, even without having access to a teacher.
2. The American Sign Language Phrase Book by Barbara Bernstein Fant
The American Sign Language phrase book is the perfect resource for anyone looking to learn ASL. With more than 500 phrases, this guide provides a quick way to converse with deaf people in everyday situations.
The book, which is clearly illustrated with line drawings, concentrates on topics such as health, family, school, sports, travel, religion, time, money, food and drink, and small conversation, among other things.
New to this edition there is a chapter on technology that includes 50 phrases to help you communicate about the Internet, computing, video relay, and more! It’s one of the best american sign language books for beginners.
3. Basic Course in American Sign Language by Tom Humphries, Carol Padden, Terrence J. O’Rourke, Frank A. Paul
This comprehensive book contains 22 lessons, each with two to four basic explanations of the language structures to be learned. Illustrations and scripts for signed sequences make learning easy and fun, while drills and exercises help cement your understanding.
Dialogues at intervals throughout the book review the language structures discussed in preceding lessons, so you can practice until you grasp it. So, if you are one of the asl students who is struggling to learn then you must read this book.
4. Baby Sign Language Made Easy by Lane Rebelo
By Reading Baby sign language book you can learn to start communicating with your child early. This easy-to-follow guide makes it simple to get started, with chapters organized by topic.
With 101 everyday signs, this guide is perfect for beginners. You’ll find all the signs you need for everyday situations as well as tips for helping your child learn. From asking for milk to telling you they’re tired, your child will be able to tell you what they’re thinking with ease.
5. American Sign Language for Beginners by Rochelle Barlow
Whether you’re looking to learn ASL for personal enrichment or to communicate with a deaf loved one, this beginner’s guide provides the essential foundation needed to develop strong signing skills. Focusing on practical vocabulary and grammar basics, each daily lesson can be completed in under 30 minutes.
This comprehensive guide features:
- 30 Days of easy ASL instruction―Get started quickly and easily with this accelerated plan that’s designed to have you signing fluently in just one month.
- Easy-to-follow instructions―Lessons focus on a single idea or subject at a time, with accompanying photographs demonstrating how to sign the words.
- Vocabulary for everyday use―Daily instruction highlights common phrases and expressions you’re likely to need as you explore ASL in your daily life.
With American Sign Language for Beginners, learning to communicate using hand gestures has never been easier or more fun!
6. American Sign Language Dictionary by Martin L.A. Sternberg
American Sign Language Dictionary is a handy reference guide for anyone looking to learn ASL. This illustrated dictionary includes more than 5,000 signs and 8,000 illustrations, making it one of the books learning on sign language. Plus, clear and detailed instructions make it easy to learn each sign. This book is an excellent resource for anyone interested in learning or teaching Sign Language, whether they are parents, instructors, or students.
7. Signing Made Easy by Rod R. Butterworth, Mickey Flodin
Featuring more than 3,500 different signs, this large-format, easy-to-follow book covers everything from basic vocabulary to whole phrases. Each chapter, which is organized by subject, builds on previous lessons in a gradual manner. The book also includes instructions for constructing numerals and inflections, activities for learning how to give and receive signs, and a comprehensive index for convenient reference.
8. The Hidden Treasure of Black ASL
The Hidden Treasure of Black ASL is a groundbreaking book that considers the sociohistorical reality that made a separate variety of ASL possible, as well as the features of Black ASL that set it apart. With its companion DVD, this book goes far in answering questions about this unique form of ASL while showcasing its true treasures.
9. Barron’s American Sign Language by David A. Stewart Ed.D., Jennifer Stewart M.S.Ed.
You’re probably thinking, “another ASL book? Who cares?” But this isn’t just any old ASL book. This is Barron’s American Sign Language–an in-depth guide designed to help you learn the ins and outs of ASL grammar, vocabulary, and culture.
More than 1,000 illustrations make it easy to follow along with instructions on movement and dialogue. Plus, practice exercises and quizzes help you track your progress and retain what you’ve learned. Overall, it is a great book to learn ASL.
10. American Sign Language For Dummies with Online Videos by Adan R. Penilla II, Angela Lee Taylor
American Sign Language For Dummies is a guide to help you get acquainted with Deaf culture and understand what it’s like to be part of a special community with a unique shared and celebrated history and language.
You will learn about the several ways ASL is communicated, as well as the current technological breakthroughs that are available to assist the Deaf. You will also follow the directions in the book to access bonus videos online and practice signing along with a professional instructor.
11. Talking With Your Hands, Listening With Your Eyes by Gabriel Grayson
Learning to sign is a great way to communicate with loved ones who are deaf or hard of hearing. With Gabriel Grayson’s new book, “Talking With Your Hands, Listening With Your Eyes,” learning to sign is now easier!
This extensive guide demonstrates how to construct the signs for commonly used words and phrases through the use of nearly 1,400 pictures. Each graphic is accompanied by simple-to-follow directions as well as a helpful “Visualize” hint that helps the reader connect the sign with its meaning for better recall.
The book contains approximately 1,700 words and phrases, all of which are explained in an easy-to-follow manner. Talking With Your Hands is a fantastic introduction to the fundamentals of signing. You will study handshapes, fingerspelling, signing etiquette, and more – as well as get a better grasp of deaf culture or deaf community and history – while reading the book.
12. Learn Sign Language in a Hurry by Irene Duke
American Sign Language is a beautiful and unique way to communicate, but it can be difficult to learn without the right guide. Learn American sign language with this easy-to-follow primer that will teach you how to use American Sign Language in social, educational, and professional settings. With clear instructions and step-by-step examples, you’ll be able to start using ASL with confidence in no time!
13. Learn to Sign the Fun Way by Penny Warner
Introducing Learn to Sign the Fun Way, your complete guide to learning American Sign Language (ASL) in a fun and entertaining way. With this illustrated book, you’ll quickly and easily become a signing language pro!
Inside are cool signs for kids, including sports signs, nature signs, food signs, and more. You’ll also find engaging activities for both the individual and the classroom, as well as great games to make learning ASL an adventure
14. Baby Sign Language Basics by Monta Z. Briant
Baby Sign Language Basics is the perfect resource for learning ASL – featuring over 300 ASL signs, illustrated with clear photos and descriptions. This special DVD edition also includes techniques, songs, and games to make learning fun and engaging. With this handy guide, you’ll be able to open up two-way communication with your little one in no time!
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a sign language book to get started, any of these 14 books would be an excellent choice. They are all well-written and easy to follow, even if you have no prior experience with sign language. And remember, practice makes perfect! So keep at it, and before you know it, you’ll be signing like a pro.