ASL 64 Book Report
Changcan Li
“What is sign language?” The book is written by Deborah Kent. The book commences with the narrative of Beanca, a girl who was born deaf and uses American Sign Language (ASL) to communicate and then goes on to elucidate the history of ASL. Beanca Turner was inborn deaf. Since she could not hear the world around her, she did not learn to talk. She would make up hand signals for some words like EAT and HOUSE. Those types of signs are called “home signs.” Even with Beanca’s motions, she nevertheless could not ask a question or tell a story. If she was happy or sad, she could not clarify why or what wasn’t right. At school, things improved for Beanca. Every student was deaf and the instructor utilized American
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Many signs are simple and they make sense for that thing. For example, to sign cat, with both hands pinch your thumb and index finger together by the side of each cheek, while keeping your remaining fingers straight out. As you pinch your fingers together take them from each side of your face outward. The sign looks just like you are teasing your whiskers straight. Now all you need is a smug smile. Chatting on the phone is easier. Just curl in every finger except your pinky and then place the thumb near your ear and the little finger by your mouth as if you are calling on …show more content…
Adding a true story, which runs throughout the book, supports the readers understand how ASL can be applied in the real world. In addition to bright photographs highlighting deaf individuals, the author put some valuable websites, suggested readings, and a short glossary and index at the back of the book for students to use as an extra resource as well. This inspires students to learn more about ASL and deafness rather than reading one book and moving on. The language is easy to follow and words are printed in different font styles making it easy to read. There are also many pictures throughout the book providing a ton of visual examples. With all of these text features, this book is a great learning