Comprehensive Signed English Dictionary: A Complete Guide to Using the Signed English System (The Signed English Series)

Rating:
Summary: I am hearing and I love this book !
Review: I own several different books on sign language. This is worth the money. I am learning sign because I like it, my friend has 2 deaf children, I am a sub- teacher for a Para for a boy who is non-verbal, I am teaching my children for homeschool, and I want to be able to witness to deaf people. This is in ABC order and seems easier to use than the other books I have that are not. But I am hearing and this is probably why I like it better. I am looking for my friend the signs for the names of all the states.

Rating:
Summary: This is the Book!
Review: My son is currently nine and is nonverbal. Further, the chances that he will become verbal are very slim indeed. When I purchased this book, it was recommended by his speech teacher. I first thought it was a book teaching me "A, B, C" etc. In fact, signed English allows you to speak in words instead of letters. My son will never get letters but he certainly relates to words. This book has a basic vocabluary but still is quite thick. The number of words is amazing and very useful. We use the book daily and my son's vocabulary has increased dramatically since we began using it. I have read the other reviews stating the alphabetizing is a problem but I can't think of a more practical way to organize such a book. Regardless, this is the book for those wanting to speak to a nonverbal person. Additionally, our son is developmentally delayed but he still is able to communicate with us thanks to this book. Those of you with nonverbal children will think you've discovered gold if you haven't been able to communicate in the past.

Rating:
Summary: This is the Book!
Review: My son is currently nine and is nonverbal. Further, the chances that he will become verbal are very slim indeed. When I purchased this book, it was recommended by his speech teacher. I first thought it was a book teaching me "A, B, C" etc. In fact, signed English allows you to speak in words instead of letters. My son will never get letters but he certainly relates to words. This book has a basic vocabluary but still is quite thick. The number of words is amazing and very useful. We use the book daily and my son's vocabulary has increased dramatically since we began using it. I have read the other reviews stating the alphabetizing is a problem but I can't think of a more practical way to organize such a book. Regardless, this is the book for those wanting to speak to a nonverbal person. Additionally, our son is developmentally delayed but he still is able to communicate with us thanks to this book. Those of you with nonverbal children will think you've discovered gold if you haven't been able to communicate in the past.

Rating:
Summary: For Signed Engligh, Great! For ASL, No Go!
Review: Obviously, by the title of this book, you are aware that this is Signed English and not American Sign Language (ASL). What you may not be aware of though is that deaf adults do not use Signed English. If you are learning for a child, this is an awesome book! It is filled to the hilt with clear illustrations and well worth the asking price.

But if you've decided to learn the real *language* of Sign, DON'T get this book. Again, deaf adults don't use it. Many signs are similar, but MANY are not used at all in ASL. This is strictly an English-based book -- not something a serious student who wants to speak with adults in Sign would use.

It all depends on why you're learning and who you're planning on conversing with. Children in elementary school? Get this book. You won't be disappointed. Anyone else? Click on the back arrow key and continue your search. That's just this deafie's opinion. :v)

Rating:
Summary: Tons of signs
Review: Sure - you might buy another book if you are beginning to learn to sign. The other book would give you those hints to help you remember the signs. But this one includes TONS of signs you can't find anywhere else - like Scotch tape, or McDonald's, Hanukkah, gymnastics, etc. I found it invaluable as a major addition to my collection of sign books. It just can't be beat.

Rating:
Summary: Comprehensive, it is.
Review: This is the best overall dictionary for signing that I have seen. It has more words than any other in my library, and it has lots of specific words that I usually don't find (i.e. "diaper" and "diarrhea").

My biggest complaint is that this book does not include the historical clues that help me remember new signs (i.e. that "girl" depicts a bonnet string along the chin).

I also am occasionally frustrated by the alphabetizing (it would be useful to find "you're welcome" in the same place as "thank you").

However, when I simply need to look up a single sign, this is the book I always reach for, and I'm seldom disappointed.