The Best Sign Language Dictionary Recommendations

They are always great to have around!

We have searched for the best sign language dictionary. We have checked out many dictionaries and read their reviews. If you are looking for an online dictionary, visit the ASL Dictionary page. There are a lot of good dictionaries out there, but, from what we have found, the best ones are listed below.

Kindle 3G Wireless Reading Device There's no denying it--most dictionaries are large and bulky. If you plan on being able to carry these books with you and learn on the go, we highly recommend picking up a Kindle from Amazon. The Kindle is very reasonably priced, includes wireless internet, and makes book buying extremely easy. If you see a "Buy now! Amazon Kindle" button next to any of the books below, that means the book can be on your Kindle, ready to read, in minutes. Pick one up today and you won't regret it! :)

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. We highly recommend it!

American Sign Language Dictionary, Third Edition by Martin L. Sternberg This is the dictionary that I 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!

The Gallaudet Dictionary of American Sign Language by Clayton Valli (Editor), Peggy S. Lott (Illustrator), Daniel Renner (Illustrator), Robert W. Hills (Illustrator) This is a very popular ASL dictionary. The book includes over 3,000 signs and comes with a DVD. You are able to type in a word on the DVD and the word comes up with a video in ASL. It is great for both beginners and seasoned signers. Highly recommended!

The American Sign Language Handshape Dictionary by Richard A. Tennant, Marianne Gluszak Brown, Valerie Nelson-Metlay (Illustrator) 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. We 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. We recommend this dictionary for anyone learning sign language.

Random House Webster's American Sign Language Medical Dictionary by Elaine Costello, Linda C. Tom, Lois A. Lehman 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!

Signs of Drug Use: An Introduction to Some Drug and Alcohol Related Vocabulary in American Sign Language by James Woodward This book is a must for any interpreter, healthcare professional, counselor, psychologist, or educator involved with the Deaf population. It is very comprehensive and presents numerous signs and approaches for each drug and alcohol related concept. This book is not for beginners, but is a wonderful vocabulary tool for those already familiar with ASL linguistics.

Signs of Sexual Behavior: An Introduction to Some Sex-Related Vocabulary in American Sign Language by James Woodward This book is a must for any interpreter, healthcare professional, counselor, psychologist, or educator involved with the Deaf population. It is very comprehensive and presents numerous signs and approaches for each sex related concept. This book is not for beginners, but is a wonderful vocabulary tool for those already familiar with ASL linguistics.

Signs of Health: A Pocket Medical Sign Language Guide by Cath Smith This is a great book for any interpreter, healthcare professional, counselor, psychologist, or educator involved with the Deaf population. It is a pocket-sized dictionary and is a wonderful medical vocabulary tool for those already familiar with ASL linguistics.

ASL in Motion Dictionary by Pam Amundsen, Don Lee Hanaumi | Format: DVD Here is a DVD sign language 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 Format: Software If you want to take a sign language dictionary with you and see videos for tons of signs, then this American Sign Language software is for you!

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 us and let us know. We will gladly add it to this list.

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