Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 54
 A very useful tool November 20, 1999
34 out of 34 found this review helpful
I am a beginner to sign language, but I have found the Joy of Signing to be the most useful book of all the ones I've seen. The pictures are very well drawn (much better than my dictionary or the other teaching books I own). I like the division by catetory rather than the dictionary format, because it is often easier to learn related words together. The index in the back makes finding the word you want very simple. Remembering new signs is easier because the origin of almost every sign is listed, and these work as memory aids. I have been learning sign language for a year, and although I have never taken a class and am therefore not very good, nearly every word I do know has come from this book. I highly recommend it.
A Fabulous textbook for classroom teaching and for reference July 4, 2000
Shelley Gammon (Kaufman, Texas USA)
23 out of 24 found this review helpful
This was the text I used in my first sign language class. When I first took sign language, it was beeing taught as Siglish (Signed English) and this was the perfect text for beginners. Lottie Riekehof has done an excellent job of assembling the best signs for beginners and each lesson contains enough variety to keep students engaged.This text should not be used to teach yourself sign language, however. While I consult this book for a refresher and a reference, I can't imagine how I'd be signing if I hadn't had a real human instructor explain the idiosynchrocies of signing. Signing is much more than the hands, the entire face and body are needed in expressing not only emotion, but meaning... the signs for "shy" and "prostitute," for example, are very similar looking and could not be properly distinguished by a text alone. If you're starting a study group or a class, or even if you're taking a class and using a different text, this is a great book to have on your reference shelf.
Wonderful book for beginners January 11, 2000
6 out of 6 found this review helpful
Our church has recently started a Deaf Ministry of which I am involved. I purchased this book to help in learning new signs. I found that a few of the signs are slightly different than what I had originally learned, but it was still a great help to me. The illustrations were easy to understand and the descriptions are very helpful. I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning more about speaking to the deaf.
Great for Beginners November 26, 2001
Rachael El Shami (East Stroudsburg, PA USA)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
Buyer beware--if you are looking for an ASL book, do not get this one. However, I think this is an absolutely perfect first book for hearing people who desire an introduction to sign language. Of course, it shouldn't be the only reference used, but it is a wonderful place to start. It was my very first sign language book that I requested as a whim for a Christmas present, and thus absolutely fell in love with sign language.The reason I say it's great for hearing people is because the signs are very English-based, so it might be easier for hearing people to pick up than total immersion into ASL. I absolutely believe it is a great place to start for those who wish to learn ASL later on. The book has some of the best pictures (tho there are a few that are pretty ambiguous), great explanations of hand movements, and wonderful hints to remember each sign. A great first book. :)
Extremely Helpful- A Must Needs! January 15, 2007
Fuzzy
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
Anyone involved in or interested in sign language, I highly recommend you purchase this book. I am involved in a sign team at our church & this book has been very helpful in looking up signs to our songs. It is a GREAT learning tool!
Showing reviews 1-5 of 54
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