Beginning Reading And Sign Language

You have to give credit to Aylmer Press for wanting to do more than just distribute some excellent video programs. Unfortunately, this tape is not exactly an extra feather in their cap. Both in terms of production values and in content, the program doesn't really meet the minimal standards. Basically, it's a family home video. Deaf performer Susan Bressler signs 50 words, while members of the distributor's family (we assume) appear in some relation to each of the objects. Comments like "great shot of the children" are frequently heard on the muddled soundtrack. Bressler signs the word, which is printed onscreen and pronounced twice on the soundtrack. The edits between these clips are very poor. The selection and arrangement of the 50 words is, at first, puzzling in the extreme, and would baffle anyone familiar with a curriculum-based approach to learning. The first word "sign" is followed by several names of animals--yet after "fox" and "owl", but before "kangaroo," we are given "peanuts" and "hot dog." Is this logical? Yes, actually it is. The filmmakers are at the zoo, they got hungry, and decided to take a snack break. "Ear" is signed, as is "moustache," but neither "nose," nor "mouth" appear. The final mysteries appear in the credits, which includes the enigmatic message: "Thanks to the countless librarians who will forever--at least to us--remain nameless." This is only slightly less cryptic than the monolith in 2001. The other mystery is a credit to the "230 women" who did the voices for Bressler's signs. Either my math sucks eggs, or 50 times 2 equals 100 (maximum). No matter. This is not recommended. (See EL SALVADOR HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS, 1988-1989 for availability.)