Description:
Who says the book is always better? The American Sign Language Dictionary is a terrific example of how much better some things are in multimedia. Author Martin L.A. Sternberg has also published the esteemed but not-as-fun print version of this reference title. We're sticking with the CD. The software features four modules: a QuickTime video dictionary, fingerspelling, an overview of American Sign Language, and a well-designed self-testing area. The dictionary is both a learning and reference tool for 2,600 words, with intuitive video rewind and replay controls. Search for the specific words you need, or just browse alphabetically. After studying up, take a test to see how you're doing--this is the software's real asset. And for language geeks, the overview gives more grammar information as well as Internet links. This is likely the only module children will probably enjoy less than adults. Overall, this is an excellent resource for anyone trying to learn or maintain ASL skills, with equal applicability in classrooms and at home. One caveat: like any foreign language, ASL has its own grammar, slang, and even regional dialects that no CD-ROM resource can exhaustively cover, so use the software as a basis for getting out and interacting with the ASL community. --Erik Macki
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