The Best Sign Language Dictionary Recommendations

They are always great to have around!

I have searched and searched for the best sign language dictionary. I have checked out many dictionaries and read their reviews.

If you are looking for an online dictionary, go to my ASL Dictionary page.

	American Sign Language Dictionary-Flexi by Martin L. Sternberg This is the dictionary that I own and love. My wonderful aunt gave it to me as a gift while I was attending college, and it's been a great resource ever since. 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!
	The American Sign Language Handshape Dictionary by Richard A. Tennant This is a great resource in that the dictionary is organized by handshape, not by word. This way, when you see a sign, you are able to look it up to learn what it means. I highly recommend this book for the ASL learner.
	Random House Webster's American Sign Language Dictionary by Elaine Costello This dictionary is a great resource to have. It not only illustrates vocabulary in ASL (the pictures are good, but not the best), but also idiomatic expressions. Knowing expressions like these is very important when engaging in an actual conversation with a Deaf person. I recommend this dictionary for anyone learning sign language.
	Religious Signing: A Comprehensive Guide For All Faiths by Elaine Costello If you want to learn religious signs, or plan to interpret church services, this book is wonderful! It's a great comprehensive guide and is easy to understand. I highly recommend it!
	Random House Webster's American Sign Language Medical Dictionary by Elaine Costello Medical terminology is always the most difficult to learn and find. I don't think I ever really learned medical terms in ASL from taking a class. Therefore, this book is a must-have resource!
	ASL in Motion Dictionary Here is a DVD ASL dictionary (if you were looking for one). Instead of a book or software, this DVD would work just as well as an ASL dictionary.
	American Sign Language Dictionary Platinum Edition If you want to take an ASL dictionary with you and see videos for tons of signs, then this software is for you!

	Dictionary of British Sign Language/English This is a very comprehensive dictionary for learning British Sign Language signs. I haven't found another book that really adds up to this one. A dictionary like this with 1,084 pages will definitely increase your British Sign Language vocabulary!
	An English Dictionary of Basic Japanese Signs by Japanese Federation for the Deaf This book was a required reading for my Foreign Signs class, and I recommend it if you want to learn some Japanese Sign Language!

I know, I know, this list is short. But I believe that makes it easier to choose one! These are great dictionaries and you can't really choose a bad one here!

If you have a favorite sign language dictionary that is not mentioned on this page, please contact me and let me know. I will gladly add it to this list.

You can also find more of my recommendations in My Library.

Related Articles:

• The ASL Student's Essential Guide to Learning ASL and Getting Involved in the Deaf Community
  
• The ASL Student's Essential Guide to ASL Grammar
  
• Support ASL Products - 10% Goes to NAD!
  
• The Best Sign Language Book Recommendations
  
• The Best ASL Software
  
• Special ASL Gifts
  
• ASL Videos Worth Watching
  
• The Best ASL Interpreter Books
  
• Deaf Culture Books You Need to Read
  
• The Best Deaf History Books
  
• Fun American Sign Language Game List