Product Description

Addressing an important aspect of social communication for people with Asperger Syndrome, who use direct, precise language and 'take things literally', this dictionary of idiomatic expressions aims to dispel any confusion that arises from the misinterpretation of language. This book provides explanations of over 5,000 idiomatic expressions plus a guide to their politeness level. Each expression is accompanied by a clear explanation of its meaning and when and how it might be used. The expressions are taken from British and American English, with some Australian expressions included as well. Although the book is primarily intended for people with Asperger Syndrome, it will be useful for anyone who finds problems understanding idiomatic and colloquial English. An essential resource and an informative read, this dictionary will assist in a wide range of situations.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #750977 in Books
• Published on: 2004-04-05
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 320 pages

About the Author
Ian Stuart-Hamilton is Professor of Developmental Psychology at the University of Glamorgan, Wales. He has extensive research experience in Lifespan Psychology. His previous books have been critically praised and have been translated into over ten languages.

Customer Reviews

Question - Can a book be too comprehensive?
You wouldn't get this book to learn phrases to use... you would use it to understand other people.

There is just one small problem... most people misuse expressions a lot because they have incorrectly assumed what they mean or heard someone else use them wrong, so you could never be sure what is written here is what was actually meant, and it does nothing to help with people's lack of clarity and precision and honesty when speaking in general, which as a person with AS myself I have found a bigger problem than understanding expressions.

If you or someone you know has a serious problem understanding expressions then this book could be helpful, but I would worry that it is perhaps too comprehensive. Many of the phrases contained within seem a bit obscure or archaic. If you did start using the phrases in here the chances are that no one would be able to understand you!

Nice idea though.

Could Be Quite Useful For Understanding Social Cues, But Seems Almost the Same As a Typical Collection of Colloquialisms
I didn't really expect that the dictionaries for people with Asperger Syndrome(AS) would be published. But I don't believe the dictionary will guarantee 100% to catch the social lives of people with AS. Of course, I do see the author's intention; to help Aspies(people with Asperger Syndrome) cope more smoothly with their society. The stars which indicated social manner(1 star:unlikely to offend, 2stars:may offend, 3 stars:will always offend) is sure to help Aspies know the social convention better. Without knowing them, it can lead to a real disaster. I know it can be quite useful to remember the idiomatic and pragmatic expressions shown in this dictionary when it comes to making conversations more lively. It does satisfy English-speaking adults with AS, but falls short of the details, I suppose.

After all, I could have given 5 stars to this book with more specific examples. For Non-native speakers of English with AS, it might be better to deal with What Did You Say? What Do You Mean?: An Illustrated Guide to Understanding Metaphors written by Jude Welton.