Have You Ever Seen…?: An American Sign Language (ASL) HANDSHAPE DVD/Book

Adonia K. Smith and E. Lynn Jacobowitz
Frederick, Maryland USA: ASL Rose (2006)
Hardcover, 80 pages. ISBN 0-9764640-0-4

Reviewed by Diana Gates, Deaf Collection Librarian, Gallaudet University (USA).

EDITOR’S NOTE: This children’s book on handshapes includes information on Deaf history for young people.

This book with its accompanying DVD seems to be first of its kind. Focusing on ASL handshapes, the book is well organized and nicely illustrated. Although it is perhaps primarily geared for deaf or hearing children, adults will enjoy the material as well. The text is primarily fitting for American audiences, as snippets of American Deaf culture are included. However, the book’s format may serve as a model for other countries and cultures.

The introduction includes several descriptions about the book and its format. A brief definition of handshapes is discussed and the focus is on the 44 basic handshapes that are common in American Sign Language. Since culture is part of language teaching, tidbits about Deaf culture are included as well. The introduction also discusses the inclusion of facial and upper body movement while signing the questions/phrases. Five sign movements are clearly shown. Glosses are briefly mentioned. The introduction provides excellent background information for adults and new signers.

Using bright colors, cartoon-like characters, and a simple uncluttered layout, the book definitely appeals to children. Each page is devoted to one handshape; the handshape itself is included in a bright yellow circle. Animals or objects demonstrate the specific handshape for that page.
Several characters are used to show that the same handshape can be produced for different signs. To complete the production of the sign, the handshape movements are included.

The caption for each illustration is a in the form of a question and when the question is signed an ASL visual rhyme is produced. The caption used with handshape “B” is “Have you ever seen a donkey opening a window?” Handshape “B” is used to produce “donkey”, “opening,” and “window.” The visual repetition of the “B” handshape for three different English words creates the visual rhyme. “Door” and “window” are two additional signs using the “B” handshape.

Also accompanying each handshape is a snippet, which includes brief information about the Deaf community, its culture, and language. For handshape “B” the snippet focused on access for Deaf people. Drivethrough windows with microphones and speakers impede communication for the Deaf and therefore point out the need for accommodations. The snippet concludes with a statement about Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) which requires accommodations
for people with disabilities.

The page layout for each handshape is presented in the same format: an encircled handshape, illustration with a caption, and informational snippet. Captions for each illustration are always in the form of a question: “Have you ever seen….?” Hence, the title of the book and
DVD.

References for each handshape are included in the book. The illustration used for each handshape has been reduced in size and is a part the citation. Each reference includes the handshape name and page in the text. There are usually two to four references for each handshape and informational snippet.

Biographical information is included for the co-authors, illustrator, producer, and ASL signers. Individual pictures are used for each individual.

This book is a first of a series. The authors were not satisfied with using the book alone and decided to supplement it with the DVD. At the beginning of the DVD, the FBI copyright warning is presented bilingually— in print and ASL.

Dr. Eddy Laird, a professor in the Deaf Education/ASL Graduate Program at McDaniel College, explains the importance of the book’s bilingual approach: acquiring a strong foundation in a first language (ASL) assists in acquiring a second language (English).