Master ASL Level One With DVD

Master ASL Level One With DVD

Welcome to Master ASL Level One. This textbook introduces you to American Sign Language (ASL), the language used by the majority of Deaf Americans, and the culture of the Deaf World. The Master ASL series was developed in response to the tide of interest in American Sign Language among people of all ages and is designed to provide a thorough foundation for using ASL as a second language with your Deaf neighbors, children, coworkers, and friends. Master ASL Fingerspelling Numbers And Glossing

In the not-so-distant past, few hearing individuals aside from children of Deaf adults and those who worked closely with the Deaf knew ASL. Signing in public drew stares, quizzical looks, and often, mocking or teasing by people amused by the sight of individuals talking with their hands. In this environment, the Deaf community came together and formed a close, tight-knit culture where ASL flourished, and being Deaf was not considered a handicap but simply a way of life. Today, the Deaf community forms one of many minority cultural groups in the United States and Canada, and interest in learning ASL has surged, bringing with it greater opportunities for mutual benefit. Using ASL in public is now a common, and proud, experience for both Deaf and hearing people.

While attitudes are changing, more work remains to be done. Though ASL and Deaf individuals are seen on TV, in movies, in the theater, in restaurants, stores, and in crowded classrooms, many people view deafness as an obstacle or a pitiable handicap. Deaf individuals are routinely denied employment because companies are uncertain how Deaf employees can communicate with their hearing colleagues, applicants for driver’s licenses are asked “Can Deaf people drive?” and the many contributions the Deaf have made to the larger hearing society are generally unknown and overlooked. As quickly as an ASL class is offered, it is filled with students who often think ASL is an easy language-and other language teacher, administrators, and counselors reflect this misunderstanding as well.

Do not be misled by these gross misunderstandings and myths surrounding American Sign Language: ASL is not easier to learn than spoken languages. ASL is a unique, visual language that does not simply match a sign to an English word. Instead, ASL has its own grammar, structure, and specific features that pose a challenge to learn, like other spoken languages. Indeed, students of ASL must develop a pleasing visual accent, exactly like leaming a satisfactory accent in spoken languages! The best way to learn any language is by direct, frequent contact with the people who use the language on a daily basis. Take a chance and initiate signed conversations with Deaf people!

The following pages provide you with an introduction to several important aspects of American Sign Language that will assist your experience with Master ASL Level One. Take a few minutes to read these pages and refer to the DVD that accompanies this text. You will use both the text and DVD as a study guide to help you learn American Sign Language.

About The Auteur:

Jason E. Zinza: Teacher educator urging best practices in teaching world languages, esp.

Consultant, curriculum writer.

Reviews About The book:

• Michael:Of the ASL books I’ve glanced at, mainly in different class settings, this is by far the best one I’ve seen Master ASL Level One with DVD. A part history book, part etiquette manual, part instructional lessons, it’s exceptionally thorough in introducing not only signs but concepts and cultural markers within the Deaf community. Understandably, it’s best digested in a classroom with a teacher already familiar with its contents, but even along it’s highly worthy. The accompanying DVD is excellent.
• Angelz:My teacher required this book Master ASL Level One with DVD for our ASL 1 class. I love that this book comes with a DVD that shows you the hand movements and shapes clearly. There are also exercises in the book that help you practice your conversational ASL speech as well as perceptive skills. Study and practice the vocabulary in the mirror or with a friend. It will help you further understand and remember the information that’s in the book Learning American Sign Language 2nd Edition.
• M. Bacon:Master ASL Level One with DVD is one of the better Textbooks I’ve had. It’s very clear with lots of good explanations. Sometimes the diagrams on how to do a sign are a little hard to figure out though. But that’s where the DVD is so useful. However, this textbook should be used like that: a textbook for a class. There are some things that need to be explained by a teacher, especially if the signs are different in the local dialect. But overall, it’s a great book. It provides not just the signs for certain words, but also the proper grammatical phrasing, and even sections on Deaf culture. What’s a really nice bonus is I’ll be able to use Master ASL Level One with DVD same textbook for at least three classes, not just one class like most textbooks Signing Naturally Units 1-6.
• Earl:Love Master ASL Level One with DVD is very effective in teaching ASL. Some of the illustrations for the signs can be VERY confusing, so I advise you to look up any signs you can’t make sense of via the illustrations via sites like HandSpeak.com and such! Other than that, the book also provides a wonderful insight into Deaf culture, which, if we’re being totally honest, is essential for learning the language properly. Definitely think this was worth the buy and will be referring to it for years to come!
• Annette:Master ASL Level One with DVD is a very thorough course, excellent for beginners. The DVD features numerous signers using different speeds of signing…something for everyone. I appreciated the insights on deaf culture.
• Sara:Master ASL Level One textbook alone is a great resource but the DVD makes it even more worth it. You will truly Master ASL, well at least level one.