Product Description

More than 3,000 ASL Sign Illustrations Fully Searchable Full-Color DVD Featuring Every Sign Special ASL Classifier Section Complete Index of English Synonyms for Every Sign

Created by an unparalleled board of experts led by renowned ASL linguist and poet Clayton Valli, The Gallaudet Dictionary of American Sign Language represents the culmination of more than five years of meticulous assessment and labor. More than 3,000 illustrations arrayed in this volume display the most useful selection of signs to be found in any single ASL reference resource. Each sign illustration, including depictions of fingerspelling when appropriate, incorporates a complete list of English synonyms. A full, alphabetized English index enables users to cross-reference words and signs throughout the entire volume.

The comprehensive introduction lays the groundwork for learning ASL by explaining in plain language the workings of ASL syntax and structure. It also offers examples of idioms and describes the antecedents of ASL, its place in the Deaf community, and its meaning in Deaf culture. This extraordinary reference also provides a special section unique to this volume on ASL classifiers and their use. Readers will find complete descriptions of the various classifiers and examples of how to use these integral facets of ASL.

The full-color DVD included with this dictionary features a diverse group of native ASL signers demonstrating how to form each of the 3,077 signs. Fully searchable, users can view a sign and quickly go to its synonyms. This and the many other exclusive features in The Gallaudet Dictionary of American Sign Language combine to make it the outstanding ASL reference for all instructors, students, and users of ASL.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #23108 in Books
• Published on: 2006-04-17
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 656 pages

About the Author
Clayton Valli was Assistant Professor in the Master’s Interpreting Program at Gallaudet University, a renowned linguist who coauthored the Linguistics of American Sign Language, and also a gifted ASL poet. The Gallaudet Dictionary of American Sign Language is dedicated to his memory.

Customer Reviews

Gallaudet Dictionary is Fabulous!
My wife and I have been studying ASL for several years and we have a number of dictionaries, books, videos, etc. The Gallaudet Dictionary (book) is excellent and has a great many signs not found in other dictionaries. The enclosed CD is fabulous. It is worth the price all by itself. I especially love the ability to slow down or stop action the video of the "sign" to catch the nuances. I have already recommended this book to several friends who are also studying ASL. If I had to pick one ASL dictionary to buy, this would definitely be the one.

great resource book!
HI. I got the Dictionary and CD and really love it and the price is excellent. I ordered the same for my daughter also taking ASL in Hawaii. Thank you!

Help for ASL Students
I have been taking American Sign Language classes for almost two years now. Many of the "book" dictionaries try to illustrate the proper motions and facial expressions for ASL signs, but trying to show these signs in static two-dimensional images, even with descriptions, left me uncertain in many cases. I did use some online dictionaries that demonstrated ASL signs with video clips, but the online dictionaries I found did not provide an extensive number of signs. The DVD with the Gallaudet Dictionary of American Sign Language is outstanding! By typing in the sign you want to see, you can jump directly to a video demonstration for that sign (for more than 3,000 signs). The DVD, like the written portion of the dictionary, is also more up to date than many other ASL dictionaries. When you cannot practice ASL signs with others, observing video clips is the next best thing. This DVD dictionary is an excellent aid.