Basic Words In Sign Language

FAQ

Question: Why are your signs for basic words in sign language different from my other resources?

Answer: We admire you noticing these differences! We're not actually sure what your resource has for these words, but our interpretations are accurate.

Sometimes some signs are signed differently, like man and woman (one way is an open hand with your thumb touching your forehead or chin then your chest the second is having a thumbs-up handshape and touching your forehead or chin then touching your open hand to your chest).

You can also compare the signs to these online dictionaries:

• http://www.lifeprint.com
• http://www.aslpro.com
• http://www.signingsavvy.com
• http://commtechlab.msu.edu/Sites/aslweb/browser.htm

There really isn't much that a deaf person wouldn't understand. If it's an old sign, they would still probably recognize it, and maybe correct you. That's all.

We would also suggest buying a more recent dictionary if you can afford it. This is our personal favorite:

American Sign Language Dictionary, Third Edition by Martin L. Sternberg This is the dictionary that we own and love. It's a huge book and explains more than 5,000 signs and has over 8,000 illustrations. You definitely need to have a dictionary like this if you are learning American Sign Language! When you want to look up an obscure word, it's most likely in here!

We honestly can't think of any signs that this book doesn't have. Buy it and keep it handy! This is our favorite resource!

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