Product Description

Sign Language Link was first published in March 1998 in pocket book format and the contents were refined and revised in March 1999. The accessible, convenient pocket edition continues to be immensely popular with beginners. However, this new DESK edition has been produced in response to requests for material in larger print and format for people with limited vision, that can be opened flat and leave the hands free. Intended to supplement Deaf Awareness and sign language classes, it will be continually revised, updated and expanded in response to need. Comments and suggestions are always welcome. The Appendices now include notes of guidance for communication with people with combined sight and hearing loss alongside the illustrated deafblind manual, with the British two-handed and American one-handed fingerspelling alphabets from the first edition. The Useful Address section is fully updated, and a comprehensive Index has been added. The addition of the PREFACE sets the scene that calls for change. In spite of the Disability Discrimination Act of 1995, deaf people's needs remain little understood by professionals and the general public alike. Until British Sign Language is given equal status to other minority language, the Deaf community will remain an oppressed minority. Contains 360 illustrations of everyday signs in alphabetical order of the English headings. The headings give each sign's meanings in context, with explanatory captions of how the sign is made and details of facial/bodily expressions and other variations of the same sign. 168 pages approximately 8" x 6" paperback published 1999 by Co-Sign Communications, Stockton on Tees.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2952726 in Books
• Published on: 1999-09
• Original language: English
• Binding: Spiral-bound
• 160 pages

Naomi Chunilal, TALK magazine, National Deaf Children's Society, Issue no. 169 Autumn 1998.
This latest book on learning BSL is comprehensive and up to date reference guide to many commonly used signs. Written for parents, other learners at all levels and BSL tutors, it is a clear and 'easy to use' dictionary of signs giving pictures along with a written explanation of each sign. It also explains different meanings for each sign and the context in which to use them. The book outlines the role of the British and American finger spelling alphabets and gives details of how to sign each letter in both systems. A list of useful organisations is included at the back. This pocket-sized book is crammed full of accessible information in a clear format at a reasonable price.

From the Publisher
BOOKS DO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Co-Sign Communications is a new publishing concern producing books about British Sign Language (BSL) and deafness. As recently as 15 years ago books on this subject were virtually non existant, but the intervening years have seen a mushrooming of interest in this field.

Until BSL is given equal status to other languages, the Deaf community will remain an oppressed minority. As the century ends, there is still a long way to go before Deaf people in Britain achieve full civil rights, and this can no longer be considered acceptable. Co-Sign Communications is committed to producing high standard, affordable books that are accessible to new-comers and professionals alike.

Sharing knowledge and information to put an end to bigotry and ignorance are the most effective way of bringing change, and books are the best vehicle for doing this.

From the Author
a book in response to need
Sign Language Link was first published in March 1998 in paper back, pocket book format and the contents were refined and revised in March 1999.

It has proved immensely popular with beginners as a ready reference guide, giving full details of sign production, context, non-manual features and regional variations, of 360 well chosen, everyday BSL signs. It is also popular with overseas visitors to this country.

Feedback is always welcome, and acted upon when possible.

This desk edition is in response to requests for material that is suitable for people who need a larger format and print size, that will open flat, leaving the hands free, and is intended as a resource for Deaf Awareness and Sign Language classes.

This edition includes notes of guidance for communication with people with combined sight and hearing loss and the illustrated Deafblind manual alphabet, with the British and American alphabets from the first edition. The Usefull Address section is fully updated and a 1,000 word Index has been added. The Preface to Desk Edition sets the scene, and calls for change at the close of the century. The Disability Discrimination Act, Social Services Inspectorate Reports in England and Scotland, and the protest march (for the recognition of BSL) through London in June 1999, bear testament to the ongoing oppression of the Deaf community. Change is unlikely until there is full official recognition of British Sign Language, and its use is demanded and widespread, not only by specialist teachers, social workers and deaf people's families, but by society at large. As we approach the new Millenium, Deaf people in Britain still have a long way to go before achieving full civil rights.

Customer Reviews

Handy for quick reference
Like the other Cath Smith books, this is a good book to get started with. I found it useful to take with me to my BSL level one classes, since it's quite small but also contains many of the signs you need for that stage. It is similar to the Sign Language Companion, but not identical. The illustrations are clear, although the symbols used to explain movements might take a while to get used to. Overall a good dictionary,there is a lot of information considering the size of the book.

A Convenient and useful book to carry around
This book has the ability to communicate a whole new language for those who wish to talk to deaf people or even if you are just curious about how signing works. A fabulous , fascinating and educational read

Bloody Brilliant
A wonderful book. I have just started to work closely to a young child with down's syndrome who responds to sign language. This book is perfect and ideal for beginers.