The American Sign Language Phrase Book

The American Sign Language Phrase Book cover
Good Books rating 3.76
Education and Reference
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Technical
  • ID: 11222
  • Added: 2026-03-05
  • Updated: 2026-03-05
  • ISBN: 9780071642354
  • Publisher: McGraw Hill Professional
  • Published: 2008-05-01
  • Reviews: 3

The American Sign Language Phrase Book is a comprehensive guide to communicating in ASL, featuring more than 500 phrases illustrated with clear line drawings. It covers a wide range of topics, including health, family, school, sports, travel, religion, time, money, food and drink, and small talk. The book also includes a new chapter on technology, with 50 phrases to help you discuss the Internet, computing, video relay, and more. Additionally, it provides phrases for communicating about signing itself, such as asking people to sign slower or indicating your fingerspelling ability. This practical reference is designed to help you converse comfortably with deaf individuals, from simple questions like 'How are you?' to more complex phrases like 'There's no sign for that, you have to fingerspell it.' Whether you're a beginner or looking to expand your ASL skills, this book is an invaluable resource.

Reviews
Reddit · u/asl_learner · 2026-03-05
accessible 3.75

This book is considered accessible and well-structured, making it a good choice for those new to ASL. It is compared favorably to other ASL learning resources.

Users on Reddit often recommend this phrase book for its accessibility and well-organized structure. It's seen as a solid choice for beginners who are just starting to learn ASL. The book's straightforward presentation of phrases is particularly appreciated. However, some users note that it might not be as comprehensive as other resources available for more advanced learners.

Quick quotes

    Accessible and well put together.

    Good for beginners starting to learn ASL.

    Not as comprehensive as other resources.

Start ASL · 2026-03-05
practical 4.00

This phrase book is described as fun and useful, making it a popular choice for ASL learners. It is recommended for its practical approach to learning common expressions.

The book is often highlighted for its engaging and practical approach to teaching ASL. It's particularly favored by beginners who find the phrases easy to follow and the illustrations supportive. The book's focus on everyday expressions makes it a practical tool for daily use. However, some advanced learners might find the content too basic for their needs.

Quick quotes

    A fun and useful book for learning ASL.

    Great for beginners with clear illustrations.

    Practical for daily use but may be too basic for advanced learners.

Goodreads · 1983-01-01
useful 3.54

This book is praised for its comprehensive coverage of everyday expressions in American Sign Language. Users find it a valuable resource for learning and practicing ASL.

Many users appreciate the wide range of phrases included in this book, making it a go-to reference for everyday expressions. The illustrations are particularly noted for their clarity, helping learners understand the signs more effectively. However, some users suggest that the book could benefit from more advanced phrases for those looking to move beyond basic communication.

Quick quotes

    A great resource for learning everyday ASL phrases.

    The illustrations are clear and helpful.

    Would benefit from more advanced phrases.

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