Customer Reviews: Read 17 more reviews...
 Very good! August 17, 2007
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
I liked this book very much. Ibought this book after attending a special ASL mass at church. The celebrant was none other than Fr. Tom Mc Caughlin who is one of the sign models for this book. He is a terrific person and it was a privilege to meet him.
 Interesting May 15, 2007
0 out of 3 found this review helpful
It's so different to examine and see how complex and detailed is the sign languge (especially sign languge). Very interesting.
Great for church interpreters! March 8, 2007
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
All of this lady's material is well thought out and easy to learn. This is a good book for church interpreters. Not only do you learn the signs for your religion, it shows you others as well. It also shows universal church religion signs. This is a must for anyone learning to interpret in a church setting!
Gift November 4, 2006
0 out of 4 found this review helpful
This book of signing was a gift, and the receiver was very happy when she got it.
 A guide that hit its peak 20 years ago February 28, 2006
15 out of 16 found this review helpful
One reviewer stated, "Elaine Costello isn't going to offer wrong signs!" but since this book as not been revised in 20 years, there are several signs that have simply fallen out of favor and are really no longer in use. Additionally, many concepts shown seem to favor an initialized signed English form of the sign. Yes, I do agree that no ASL dictionary can be exhaustive but the signs here seem to have been pulled from a limited geographic area (namely, the central east cost, New York, Washington, Maryland, etc.) Not entirely bad as many signs are used in many regions, but the signs used only in this area will not be useful to most. I also see a couple signs in the book that I would say are not only outside of common use but also conceptually inaccurate (e.g. Justification which is depicted as the concept of justice - as in judicial equality and fairness for all, not the forgiveness of all believers which is a different concept). Perhaps if this reference were revised, updated and maybe a arranged not only with an alphabetical glossary of each concept in English but then with each sign classified and listed by handshape, it would be a much improved resource. As it is now, I would not highly recommend it. Again, as many have said it does not address ASL grammar, but that is not the function of a dictionary and I find that to be acceptable.
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