Sign Language By Deborah Kent: What Is Sign Language?

What is sign language?” written by Deborah Kent. Begins with the story of Beanca, a girl who was born deaf and uses American Sign Language (ASL) to communicate, and then goes on to explain the history of ASL. In this book, at first, the author clarifies that sign language is the fourth most widely used “language” in the United States. Whether a person is born deaf, becomes deaf, or lives in a deaf family or community, learning is language is different for those who cannot hear. Sign language reflects deaf culture and is a language with syntax and grammar rules of its own. For many years, use of sign language was forbidden in schools for the deaf. Deaf students instead focused on lip reading and finger spelling English. Sign language has only recently become accepted as a legitimate form of communication. Many find the language to be very expressive, conveying thoughts and emotions through motions with their hands, faces and bodies to communicate.

It is interesting to note that Deborah Kent was the first blind student to attend public school in Little Falls, New Jersey. In addition to colorful photographs featuring deaf individuals, the volume includes several useful websites, suggested readings, and a brief glossary and index.

Back Cover: For people who are deaf, learning language is different. Many learn sign language to let people know what they are thinking or feeling. The motion with their hands, faces, and bodies to communicate. Learn the history of sign language, how it is used today, and how it is the first language for a special fourth-grade