Intermediate Conversational Sign Language

Granted, this book is a challenge and, if you don't already have a firm understanding of ASL, can be intimidating on your own. But the benefits you will reap from this book are worth the extra brain power. Filled from front to back with outstanding illustrations of signs, this book takes you through various experiences and shows you three things: The person's conversation in ASL (written form through glosses), the person's conversation translated for you into English, and the ASL conversation drawn out for you in impressive illustrations. They also have notes about specific idiomatic phrasing, ASL glossed monologues (which you have to translate yourself), and practice sentences and exercises.

I feel this is one book that should be in every signer's library (hearing, hard of hearing, deaf, obstinate, you name it). Higher than Highly recommended, if you are serious about ASL, you will not regret the time, money or brain power used to drink in this work of art! :v)


Very detailed   October 2, 2000
 7 out of 7 found this review helpful

My first reaction on getting this book was, "Whoa, I better get his "Beginning Conversational Sign Language." Unfortunately this is his only book. It definitely is designed to be used in class rather than for home study, and it will sober you up quickly if you had delusions about learning fluent ASL on your own. On the other hand, it has an incredible amount of detail about the fine points of ASL grammar and how a single sign can vary depending on context. I would like to see a "Teacher's Edition" with answers for the exercises, and a little more attention to detail where the pictures and the glosses don't always match.


Five Stars!   March 23, 2000
 5 out of 7 found this review helpful

Mr. Madsen's textbook is easy to understand, informative and very interesting. I took Mr. Madsen's basic class at Gallaudet University and the entire class was so pleased that we collectively petitioned to have him teach us the next semester!


If you want to learn sign, buy this book   August 23, 1997
 11 out of 12 found this review helpful

This book is the best. If you have a basic knowledge of ASL and want to learn more than just the vocabulary, this is the best one I have seen