Learning Sign Language to Experience the Essence of Deaf Culture

Book excerpt: The collection of readings in Learning American Sign Language to Experience the Essence of Deaf Culture broadens students' knowledge of the Deaf community and Deaf culture. The material also gives important and meaningful context to American Sign Language. The readings in the first section introduce students to history through Deaf eyes, medical and cultural views of Deafness, the Deaf community, the grammar of American Sign Language, American Sign Language numbering systems, the American Sign Language continuum, communication technologies and name signs used in American Sign Language. Section two focuses on notable Deaf men and women, the ear and Deafness and Deafhood. The readings in the third section examine artistic areas of Deafness including the Deaf Poet Society and Deaf View of Image in Art. Differing constructions of Deafness and theories of dysconscious audism are discussed. The text also looks at Deaf culture through two American Sign Language Stories: Bird of a Different Feather and For a Decent Living. Extensively class-tested, Learning American Sign Language to Experience the Essence of Deaf Culture develops readers' awareness of and sensitivity to the Deaf community in America. The book is an excellent addition to courses in American Sign Language, Deaf history and culture, and communication sciences and disorders.