Learn about the history of American Sign Language, from its origins in older signed languages to its role in the education of deaf and hearing children today in this illustrated chapter book!
American Sign Language (ASL) has played a crucial role in history of the United States, from education and politics to arts and sports. Not simply a transcription of spoken English, ASL is its own language with unique grammar and structure. In this fact-filled history of American Sign Language, readers will learn about the important figures in the development of ASL, the Deaf community and their fight not only for the right to an education but the right to use ASL at all, and the use of ASL across our country today.
For instance, did you know that early humans likely used signs to communicate before the development of spoken language? Or that Martha's Vineyard, an island off of Massachusetts, used to have a community of deaf and hearing people who communicated almost exclusively in their own sign language? You may be interested to learn that the football huddle, in which teams share plays by standing shoulder to shoulder, was invented by a team of deaf players from what is now Gallaudet University. All of this and more is included in What Is American Sign Language?
BOOK OF THE WEEK - Young readers will love this gorgeous picture book about a chilled capybara who just won't be rushed.
Can you solve the puzzles to save the Kingdom? Put your puzzle skills to the test with mazes, word games and codes to crack!
The second book in this popular series celebrating friendship, magic and fighting for what you believe in.
This is Book 84 in the What Was? Series. See all What Was? books here.
No one has written a review for 'What Is American Sign Language?'
Why not be the first to share your opinion?
Gail Herman has written several young biographies for children, including Who Was Jackie Robinson?
More about Gail HermanGail Herman has written several biographies and nonfiction books, including Who Was Jackie Robinson? and What Is the World Series?
John Hinderliter is an award-winning illustrator and fine artist living in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
More about Who Hq
