American Sign Language Dictionary, Third Edition

Sternberg's ASL Dictionary is the most incredible resource for American Sign Language, that I have found on the market. As a certified teacher of the deaf, of ESL, and of Foreign Languages, I have used this book for many years in all three contexts. I love the fact that Sternberg includes 5,000+ signs, and that he offers more than one sign for many words. Parents and teachers of deaf children will recognize the derivation of the signs for a particular word, and be able to choose which sign would be most appropriate for their own context, age group, etc. The signs are given in ASL (American Sign Language#, but several versions of the sign are available, so users of Signed English or of SEE will also benefit. Obviously, teachers of the deaf need one comprehensive dictionary with various versions of signs for a word, to clarify multiple meanings. I have not seen that feature in my other Sign books. If you teach foreign languages in North America, you know that TPR #Total Physical Response# and TPRS #Total Physical Response Storytelling# are the single most effective method of teaching the students in your classroom to speak in a foreign language today. TPR / TPRS is very simply the use of Sign Language simultaneously with speech in the foreign language. If you use Sternberg's ASL signs #rather than Signed English or SEE#, the sign will be more universal, since it was not created originally for English. ASL has already crossed language barriers, and will help your FL students grasp and retain the new vocabulary in the lesson more easily. If you teach Beginners in English as a Second Language #ESL / ESOL), no matter how many languages you personally speak, you've experienced the fun of negotiating meaning with students who cannnot yet speak your language, and whose language you do not speak. Sign Language is such an incredible help, giving the ESL student information which helps with processing the unfamiliar things we say. Yes, Sternberg's ASL Dictionary is expensive -- and worth every penny! I have two hardcover copies, in case I need one at school and one at home. This book has my highest recommendation.

This book has tremendously helped me with learning sign language

I am deaf and I started learning ASL a year ago at age 40. I read lips my whole life. This book has made my journey alot easier. I am able to maye flash cards so I can practice, and if I want to sign a concept the book is set up perfectly so I can find what I am looking for quickly. Every sign has the word, definition, and illustrations of how to perdorm the sign. An excellent resource for the deaf or for hearing people learning to sign.

So helpful and easy to use!

I am hearing and I have just finished my fourth college ASL class and I wanted to buy this book because I thought it would be good to have in case I forgot a sign. While it does cover a variety of signs and do so fairly well, I will say based on my knowledge from my classes that some of these signs are outdated. I am not an expert by any means but this book was first published in 1981 and, while it has been revised, it seems to me that some signs have not been updated to the most recent version, nor does it mention it. My best advice for those looking into this book is to take some of these signs with a grain of salt and research the most modern version just to be sure you’re signing properly.

Very comprehensive, extreme number of pages, large size and paperback format works very well

This is one of my all-time favorite references I have used in my signing over the years. It is easy to use, and it has a lot of different signs in it. Though no dictionary is exhaustive of any language, this one has a LOT of words, and it is a good basis for reference. It is very handy to have instead of having to look everything up on the Internet or wait until I find someone else to ask what a word is in American Sign Language as I practice interpreting.

The best signing book around in my opinion

It shows how to sign the words (as well as letters and numbers), but also shows other meanings of the signs. Furthermore, there are written explanations in addition to the pictures.

Wonderful book! Has wonderful illustrations and descriptions that help you remember the signs. The only complaint is that some words are a little out of date and potentially politically incorrect, but it usually has both old and current signs for the same word

It is fanstatic to learn the book, esp if you are beginner, it will help you to remember. I am BSL user and I am learning ASL because I travel all over the world and it is important to understand ASL as it is worldwide communication. There are good pictures and explain each picture. 100% reccommened...

Good book but many illustrations (which are drawings) are confusing and not very useful compared to other dictionaries with pictures (people really signing and expressive). Too bad I bought this one.

The illustrations and instructions were great. However, it would have been so much better if it really did work as a dictionary. It lacks the definitions of the words. Only signs.