"Dictionary of all know texts featuring illustrations of early American Sign Language and historical images of French Sign language and linking them with contemporary signs"--

Signs Across America provides a fascinating and unique look at regional variations in American Sign Language. The authors contacted native signers in 25 states to find out their signs for 130 selected words. The results--more than 1,200 signs--are illustrated in this book. It is an invaluable reference for teachers of American Sign Language that explores the subtle differences in signs from different geographic areas.

"This study investigates the origins of American Sign Language, its evolution from French Sign Language, and evidence about the word formation process of ASL, including data from the 19th and early 20th century dictionaries as well as the Gallaudet Lecture Films."--

A detailed reference work examining the derivation and meanings of words.

Organizes 1,600-plus ASL signs by 40 basic hand shapes rather than in alphabetical word order. This format allows users to search for a sign that they recognize but whose meaning they have forgotten or for the meaning of a new sign they have seen for the first time. The entries include descriptions of how to form each sign to represent the varying terms they might mean. Index of English glosses only. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR