Guide To Sign Language Communication
Sign language is a language in which the individual conveys meaning through visual sign patterns. These sign patterns combine hand shape and movement, placement and movement of arms or body, and facial expression. Although, it seems that some form of sign language has existed for centuries, it wasn?t until 1620 that Juan Pablo de Bonet created the first book on teaching sign language. It contained the manual alphabet. In 1755 Abbe Charles Michel de L?Epee of Paris founded a school for the deaf. He created a language that consisted of signs (conventional gestures, hand signs, finger spelling). Abbe helped revolutionize sign language. It helped solidify sign language as a standardized language.
Linguistics of sign
The Linguistics of American Sign Language - An article by Karen Nakamura that examines the linguistics of American sign language. It briefly explains how ASL is not merely a ?gestural? language and also touches on the differences of ASL from other sign languages used in other countries.
Sign Language and Spoken Language - A brief overview on how important sign language is to linguistics. It demonstrates that all languages share some common characteristics and that all human beings have the ability to communicate using language.
Overview of Sign Language - Offers an introduction to understanding the linguistics of American sign language. It focuses on three core areas: phonology, grammar and general cultural aspects.
What is Linguistics? - Brief overview on what linguistics is and how sign language can help linguistics have a better understanding of language. Features information on important linguistic terms.
Introduction to Sign Language - Describes how at one time sign language was not even considered a language. However, advances in linguistics has proved that sign language is a valid language. This site briefly touches on how signs and sentences are made using sign language.
Learning the Alphabet and Numbers
Kids Corner Sign Language - This kid-friendly website demonstrates how to sign the alphabet and the numbers 1 through 10 using sign language.
Finger spelling - An interactive website that features videos and word lists to help understand finger spelling using sign language.
Interactive Sign Language Lessons - A website designed by Michigan State University. It provides videos and instructions for ASL signs: alphabet, numbers, common phrases, and finger spelling. The site also offers four speeds: slow, medium, fast and deaf.
Online Sign Language Game - Fun Brain offers an online game that teaches children how to sign the alphabet. Children look at a particular sign and then identify which letter or number that the sign represents.
Sign Language for the Classroom - A detailed website that offers teachers information on how to teach sign language in the classroom. It includes preparation, lesson plans, instructions, and resources.
Forming Sentences
Putting Together Sentences - This website features how to put together sentences using American sign language. It explains important guidelines and provides detailed images to help guide the reader.
Conversation using Sign Language - Features a list of topics, once the topic is selected the website displays common phrases, once you select a phrase, the website will show a video of someone signing that phrase.
ASL Resource- An online source that enhances student ability to remember, recognize and produce signs. The website features videos that show vocabulary words and sentence structures for sign language.
ASL Language Basics - Online resource that helps students understand the basics of ASL: alphabet, finger spelling, sign structure, nouns, pronouns, and verbs. Helps the reader understand sentence structure in sign language.
ASL Browser ? Just click on the phrase you would like to sign and you will be given instructions on how to properly sign it.
Popular Phrases
Common Phrases - Features images for common phrases or words used in sign language. It includes phrases like: thank you, please, good morning, hello, and you?re welcome.
Flashcards - This website offers printable flash cards for students. These flashcards help students understand how to better communicate using sign language.
Popular Phrases - This website shows images for common phrases or conversation used in sign language.
Phrases in Sign Language - This website features common phrases and offers a video instruction on how to sign the phrase (How old are you? Where do you live? What?s up? Do you need help?)
Videos on Signing Phrases - An online website resource that offers video demonstrations on how to sign words and phrases.
Interpreting for the Deaf
Registry for the Interpreters of the Deaf- A resource guide for interpreters.
Fact Sheet - Common questions and answers for anyone interested in interpreting for the deaf.
Classroom Interpreting - Website that focuses on supporting deaf and hard of hearing students who need the help of interpreters to ensure a solid education. This website offers information for teachers and interpreters.
How to Become an Interpreter - Information for anyone interested in becoming an interpreter for the deaf. It features information on the different types of educational certificates that are available.
Guidelines for Becoming an Interpreter for the Deaf - This website details all the important steps necessary to becoming an interpreter for the deaf. It provides an overview of working conditions, educational requirements and personal characteristics for interpreters for the deaf.
