American Sign Language (ASL) is the fourth most-used language in the United States (behind English, Spanish and Italian), utilized by approximately 2 million people. Sign language is not limited to communication involving the hearing impaired. It is also used by police officers as well as sports and rescue teams who need to communicate clearly and distinctly sometimes in distances far from each other.
Historically, sign language, or manual speech, is traced to the 16th century Italian physician, Geronimo Cardano, who believed that the deaf could be taught to understand written communication by associating symbols with the objects they represented. In 1620 the first manual alphabet was published.Abbe Charles Michel de L'Epee of Paris established the first free school for the deaf in 1755, drawing on Parisian systems of symbols and signs. More than 100 years later, Gallaudet College, the only liberal arts college for the deaf in the world, was founded in Washington, D.C.
It has been delightful to watch some of my grandchildren learn sign language, enabling them to communicate with hearing-impaired friends and neighbors. Michelle has the choice experience of baby-sitting a youngster weekly who needs that language assistance.
I am greatly touched when groups of children such as the choral groups at the centennial celebration in the Tabernacle use sign language as part of their presentation. What a tribute to the millions who rely on this mode of communication!
Books on sign language have been published for young adults and children. While there isn't any notable fiction, in my estimation, there is some worthwhile nonfiction. Following are four of my choices:
Two books by Mickey Flodin are "Signing for Kids" and "Signing is Fun" (both by Perigee Press).
Flodin is well-known for his works on signing, which include pocket dictionaries, visual aids and instructional guides. "Signing for Kids," winner of the Parents' Choice Award, is divided into 17 sections or topics, including "family, friends and people" and "location and direction." Basic words and phrases are given in each section. I particularly like his succinct tips about plurals, gender signs and the body language associated with hand language. "Signing for Kids" is more comprehension than "Signing is Fun," but this compact 5 inch by 5 inch volume is just what it says it is - fun.
The novelty of "Handtalk Zoo" by George Ancona and Mary Beth (Aladdin) is obvious; it's all about going to the zoo and locating animal favorites and staying within limits of space and time. Ancona's wonderful four-color photography is not lost here. He has captured the facial and body expressions assix beautiful children talk in a zoo setting.
This is the third book of the Handtalk series by Mary Beth. Others are "Handtalk" and "Handtalk Birthday," all equally well-done.
"Handsign: A Sign Language Alphabet" by Kathleen Fain (Chronicle Books) is not only a clever book for young children but an introduction to ASL for all ages. In glossy prints, animals from A to Z are featured as a human hand displays the sign for the letter of the animal name. Nicely prepared, this is a terrific addition to a collection of books on sign language.