Don't Just Sign... Communicate! - by Michelle Jay (Paperback)

About the Book

The Heart Of Any Language Is Found Within Its Culture... Don't Just Sign... Communicate! focuses on giving you a better understanding of the ASL community and culture, and a better and more comprehensive understanding of learning the language.

Book Synopsis

The Heart Of Any Language Is Found Within Its Culture... As anyone who has learned a foreign language will tell you, all language is an experience. And that experience is found through a language's culture its people. The journey toward complete comprehension and usage of American Sign Language includes the recognition, not only of the sovereignty of the language, but of the understanding that ASL lives within its own community and culture. The full learning and understanding of a language involves much more than vocabulary or sentence structure. All language is unique in vocabulary, grammar, syntax, emotion, and more... including culture. ASL is a language unique to the community that uses it. Don't Just "Sign"... Communicate! focuses on giving you a better understanding of the ASL community and culture, as well as a better and more comprehensive understanding of learning the language. This guide successfully takes you inside the Deaf community and gets you involved in its fascinating culture. Take advantage of this informative and handy resource that will make your journey into ASL a fulfilling adventure. Start ASL has created this guide so that you can easily explore the ASL language and Deaf culture. This guide provides you with tools, advice, and helpful resources not available anywhere else!

Review Quotes

"This book is a real gem! Informative, intriguing, and an easy read -- it is your ticket to a new world
of friendships and cultural understanding! When it's time to step out of the classroom and into the
Deaf Community--Michelle Jay's advice and insights are just what you need! Remember what you
learned from this book and you'll do great!"

William G. Vicars, Ed.D.
Associate Professor of ASL and Deaf Studies
California State University, Sacramento
(Also known as "Dr. Bill" of www.lifeprint.com)

"Whenever I am questioned to offer a suggestion of a good, easy to read book about sign language
and the Deaf community, I now have a clear answer... this book packs a ton of useful information in
one spot. A must have for any new sign language student!"

John Miller, Co-Founder, Educator
www.signingsavvy.com

"A Student's Guide to ASL and the Deaf Community is an essential guide for those thinking of
learning ASL, considering a career working within the Deaf community or looking to understand
Deaf culture. It truly is the bible for "everything you need to know but didn't know to ask." This
book is filled with all the important information you need in one place and is truly an amazing
read."

Pearl Feder, L.C.S.W., Editor & Coordinator
SayWhatClub Social Media
www.saywhatclub.com

"For anyone interested in Deaf Culture, I recommend this book as a road map for joining it, fitting
in, and finding a related career. Some of the resources outlined in the book are also useful for deaf
immigrants to the USA."

Omer Zak, Owner
DEAF-INFO
www.zak.co.il/deaf-info

"History and culture are an essential part of learning American Sign Language. In order for any ASL
student to understand this complex and beautiful language, they must understand the very nature
of those who use this language, the Deaf community. This is a great book for students to learn about
the Deaf Culture, community, history, professions and much more. I recommend this book as a
supplement to any other ASL book used in the classroom."

Cindy Dawes, ASL Instructor
Fivay High School

"As a Deaf person who hails from Gallaudet University with Masters Studies in ASL Linguistics,
taught ASL at various state universities for over 25 years, trained sign language interpreters, and
served on the board for interpreter quality assurance qualification programs, I definitely suggest
this book for the beginning ASL signer. Communication involves so much more than just learning,
using, and understanding the language. This book smoothly pulls it all together while inspiring the
novice learner. I whole-heartedly and with honor recommend this book."

MJ Williams, Author & Website Creator/Owner
www.babiesandsignlanguage.com