Video Sign Language Course

Using the American Sign Language format, this 6 1/2 hour course covers some 1200 signs in 57 lessons. We looked at the first volume, which features an introduction by Lynn Cook, who discusses the basics of sign language, the suitability of learning ASL by the video format, and the ways in which the program maybe optimally used. The first lesson is on fingerspelling the alphabet. Subsequent lessons on the first volume include: tenses, pronouns, linking verbs, genders, common words and phrases, things around the house, time words, action words, asking questions, and family relationships. The first volume covers some 250 signs in all, with Cook providing excellent visual instruction with repeats, and an English translation appearing onscreen for each item (hearing-impaired persons can therefore also use this series). Following each section there is a brief quiz. For a library that wants to augment their basic sign language videos with an-depth treatment of ASL, this series is highly recommended. (Available from: Interax Training, Inc., PO Box 473106, Garland, TX 75047-3106).