MultiCultural Review, Volume 16, Number 3, Fall 2007
Reviewed by Editor-in-Chief, Lyn Miller-Lachmann

Smith, Adonia K. and Jacobowitz, E. Lynn.  Have You Ever Seen…?  An American Sign Language (ASL) Handshape DVD/Book.  Frederick, Md.:  ASL Rose [P.O. Box 614, Frederick, MD 21705-0614], 2006.  Book: 80 pp. DVD: 140 min. Color. Illus. by Tamara Davidson. Video directed by James R. DeBee. ISBN-13 978-0-9764640-0-6, $85.00.

            Deaf educators Smith and Jacobowitz have teamed to create a comprehensive resource on American Sign Language (ASL) for students middle grades and up to use in school or at home.  The authors introduce 44 of the most common handshapes.  These do not necessarily correspond to English letters but rather portray concepts such as “open-window” or “it’s about time!”  In the book and DVD, ASL handshapes and facial expressions combine to ask a series of absurd questions, such as “Have you ever seen a donkey opening a window?” and “Have you ever seen a mouse brushing her teeth?”  The purpose is to create a work of Deaf poetry, in which the language is visual rather than aural, and the beauty lies in what is seen, as well as in the experience of rhythm and movement required to make the signs.

            The cartoonlike illustrations in the book reflect the absurd humor of the situations, many of which are unique to, or of special importance to, people who are deaf.  An apple and an onion communicate through TTY’s and computers, a donkey hands a written order to a cashier at a drive-thru, and a duckling wears a bib that reads “proud to be a CODA” (child of deaf adults).  Bordering the illustrations are text boxes that explain aspects of Deaf culture, including Deaf theater, Deaf camps, a Deaf LGBT organization, and campus life at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C.

            The 140-minute video is a performance of the handshape in the book, with ASL and audio voiceover that explain the cultural information found in the book.  The DVD is an essential part of the presentation, as viewers can see the beauty of ASL and understand its role in the development of a self-conscious Deaf culture.  Viewers can watch the DVD at one sitting or go to separate programs for each of the chapters in the book.

            Following the book’s text is a bibliography of further reading for those who wish to learn more about the handshapes, ASL in general, and the aspects of Deaf culture introduced in each chapter.  There is also a section of biographical information about the team – adults and children – who took part in the creation of this unique and fascinating resource.