Random House Webster's American Sign Language Dictionary: Compact Edition

Very handy, bought 12 more recently for my friends who are learning ASL. Very happy with purchase, and delivery.

This may be called the Compact Dictionary, but it is certainly not compact in the way of content (or size, for that matter). The illustrations are full-torso, making it easier to see the body positioning as well as hand formations and they are clear and easy to understand. Being an early signer myself, and one that is trying to work with children on signing as well, this is very helpful to me. So far, I have not found any important/common words that I could not look up, and there are even some signs in this book that I am just discovering since it is very thorough. Of course, you would have to understand that there is not a single sign assigned for every word anyway. In that case, they have provided an excellent fingerspelling guide as well. The preface is very complete including The Nature of Sign Language and the Structure, too, so beginners have additional information beyond just the sign that they find beside the definition. I think it is complete and easy to use and would definitely recommend it to all levels of ASL users.

Just what I needed. As a father of a recently diagnosed deaf child, I find this product very useful. It has to the point pictures with text, to ensure that I sign correctly.

I love this book. It's actually my 2nd copy. I have been teaching my 2 year old hearing son ASL since he was 3 months old. I'm forever going to this dictionary to look up a new word. It is really comprehensive. There have only been a few times I haven't found a word I was looking for. One thing I don't like is the paper in this printing of the book. It is more like newspaper print. The original one I bought is white paper. It does make a difference. I like this book also for the pictures. They are pretty easy to understand. Along with my Signing Time videos and one online ASL dictionary, this is one of my top favorite ASL resourses. I recommend to everyone & have even bought as a babyshower gift. Please don't hesitate to buy this book if you need an ASL reference!!!

This dictionary was recommended to me by my sign instructor. The signs are clearly illustrated and the definitions are in great details in this dictionary. I think this dictionary is right for all levels of sign students.