A Sign Language Manual (review)

Abstract

Reviews The Language of Life, Elizabeth A. Gochnour & Theresa B. Smith, 411 pp., $7.50 paperback, Interstate Printers & Publishers, 19-27 N. Jackson St., Danville, IL 61832, 1984 (second edition). This book is a revised edition of a class language -reading program. It has been written for post-high school deaf people from a protective environment who not only need to develop language skills, but also need to develop a better understanding of the world around them. The Language of Life contains 36 lessons, providing one lesson per school week. The language used is carefully devised so that new vocabulary and idioms are introduced gradually and are reviewed frequently. Therefore, lessons should be assigned consecutively rather than randomly. In the preliminary pages, the authors give a brief but excellent statement for teachers, explaining the nature and purpose of each of the 36 lessons. Each lesson has six components which help teachers contribute to students' development : "The Story", "For the Class to Talk About", "Things to Do", "Enrichment Suggestions ", "Difficult Vocabulary", and "Exercises." Hopefully, this book will help young, overprotected deaf people cope with some of the difficulties they may encounter in their personal and professional lives. Donna Drake Supervising Teacher Florida School for the Deaf St. Augustine, FL 32084 A Sign Language Manual, M. Ann Goutney Boles, M.S., 458 pp., $29.75 paperback, Charles C. Thomas, 2600 South First St., Springfield, IL 62717, 1984. There are two things I like about this manual in comparison with other sign language texts. A spiral binder allows the manual to lie flat during instruction or practice, and it has 32 chapters that include specific examples and cover more areas and signs than most texts. There are drawbacks, however. The price of $29.75 makes the text undesirable for the beginner with modest means. The biggest disappointment is that there are numerous errors: the drawings, although reasonably well done, frequently show the left hand while the description calls for the right hand. Some of the explanations accompanying the illustrations could be improved to enhance comprehension and retention of signs. Some signs appear to be local, if not incorrect. Incorrect placement of hand(s) or fingers is another common blunder. Had the manual been reviewed and mistakes corrected by a qualified person, it would have been an excellent book for schools, libraries, parents , and teachers. Robert R. Anderson Associate Principal Illinois School for the Deaf Jacksonville, IL 62650 ERRATUM The following authors are to be included in the Index to American Annals of the Deaf, Volume 129 appearing in the December 1984 issue: Stuckless, E. Ross (JA) —Total Communication Effects—A Longitudinal Study of a School for the Deaf in Transition , 481 Walter, Gerard G. QA) —Total Communication Effects—A Longitudinal Study of a School for the Deaf in Transition , 481 A.A.D. /March 1985 4 ...