American Sign Language Green Books, A Student Text Units 19-27 : Book Review

American Sign Language Green Books: A Student Text Units 19-27 by Charlotte Baker-Shenk is a highly comprehensive guide that aims to teach students the intricacies of American Sign Language (ASL). Focusing specifically on Units 19-27, this book covers a wide range of important topics and essential vocabulary related to everyday life.

One of the standout features of this book is its clear explanations and interactive exercises, which are designed to help readers grasp the concepts and develop their signing skills. The author takes a structured approach to learning ASL, starting with the basics and gradually moving on to more complex phrases and sentences. To enhance the learning experience, Baker-Shenk incorporates visual aids such as illustrations and diagrams.

Furthermore, the book includes cultural notes that provide valuable insights into Deaf culture and enhance the understanding of ASL as a distinct language. By delving into the cultural context, readers gain a deeper appreciation of the language and its significance within the Deaf community.

A notable strength of the book is the ample practice exercises and activities provided. These exercises not only allow readers to practice the signs they have learned but also serve to reinforce their learning. The author also offers helpful tips and suggestions for improving signing accuracy and fluency. The user-friendly format of the book makes it easy for beginners to follow along and track their progress as they advance through the units.

What sets this book apart is its emphasis on real-world application. Baker-Shenk incorporates authentic dialogues and scenarios to help readers develop practical ASL skills for everyday situations. By practicing the signs within a real-life context, readers gain a deeper understanding of the language and its practical use.

What are readers saying?

The book "American Sign Language Green Books: A Student Text, Units 19-27" by Charlotte Baker-Shenk has received a mix of reviews from readers. While some readers praised the book for its comprehensive content and effective teaching methods, others had concerns about its layout, formatting, and outdated content.

Those who praised the book found it to be highly informative and well-organized, allowing for easy comprehension and learning of sign language. The inclusion of practice exercises and quizzes was appreciated as it helped reinforce understanding. The book was also considered suitable for both beginners and more advanced learners due to its balanced approach to vocabulary, grammar, and conversation skills.

However, some readers expressed concerns about the book's layout and formatting, particularly in regards to the clarity of its illustrations and diagrams. They found it difficult to accurately understand the signs being depicted. Additionally, some reviewers found the explanations to be confusing or unclear, suggesting that additional examples or demonstrations would have been helpful.

Furthermore, a few readers felt that the book's content was outdated and did not reflect modern sign language usage. They found it lacking in terms of regional variations and contemporary vocabulary. Additionally, some reviewers noted that the book did not sufficiently address cultural aspects of sign language, such as Deaf history and community.

Despite these criticisms, many readers still considered "American Sign Language Green Books" to be a valuable resource for learning sign language. They recommended using the book alongside other learning materials, such as online videos or interactive tutorials, to enhance understanding and practice. Overall, readers agreed that the book provided a solid foundation in American Sign Language, but suggested improvements in formatting and content updates to make it even better.

ASLGreenBooks SignLanguageTextbook ASLUnit19to27