The manuals (9 topic areas) from the Technical Signs Project are included in this list. The Project Overview and Reading Technical Sign Diagrams (ETRR, Archives & 4th floor HV 2474.T43 1993) manual explains the system used for representing signs in the manuals. For more information, contact Dr. Frank Caccamise at fccncr@rit.edu.

The following resources are found in RIT Library and/or the Educational Technology Resource Center (ETRR) in Building 60, 3355. If you are interested in more books on this topic, use the subject: "Sign Language--Dictionaries" or "Deaf--Means of Communication," in the library's Einstein catalog.

Encyclopedias	English	Pidgin Sign English	Sports
American Sign Language	Fingerspelling	Regional Signs	Theater
Anthropology	Invented Sign Systems	Religion/Catholic	International
Audiology & Speech	Legal	Sciences	S.L. Dictionary Video
Career Education	Mathematics/Numbers	Sexuality	Einstein Library Catalog
Computer	Medical/Drugs	Social Work	Floor Maps

Encyclopedias and Dictionaries-Use the following specialized reference books. These are good resources to use when starting to do research on a topic. Articles are written by experts in the field and have bibliographies for fruther reading. If you are not sure of a topic, browsing through these works will give you topic ideas. Be sure to check the table of contents and the index to find your topic. Most if not all of the encyclopedias are located in the Reference area on the 1st floor. There are many different types of dictionaries. These are good books to use when you need a quick reference on how to sign a concept. A few may be found in the REF area but most are on the 4th floor in the deaf section (HV 2500 area). Descriptions of books are taken from Info to Go, Einstein Catalog. or publishers.

Baker, C. & Jones, S.P. (Eds.). (1998). Encyclopedia of bilingualism and bilingual education. Philadelphia: Multilingual Matters. (REF, LC3707 .E53 1998).
Check out Part 3: Bilingual education for the deaf and hearing impaired.

*Van Cleve, J.(Ed.) (1987). Gallaudet encyclopedia of Deaf people and deafness. New York: McGraw-Hill. (REF and 4th floor- HV 2365.G35 1986).
Check out the following articles from Volume 3: Sign Languages-Origins, Facial Expressions, American, History, Australian, Australian Aboriginal, Belgian, Brazilian, British, Canadian, Chinese, Danish, Finnish, French, German, Ghananian, Indian, International Gestures, Irish, Israeli, Italian, Japanese, Malaysian, Mexican, Norwegian, Philippine, Plains Indian, Polish, Portuguese, Providence Island, Puerto Rican, Rennellese, South African, Spanish, Swedish, Swiss, Taiwanese, and Yugoslavian (p. 31-118). Also, Sign Writing Systems (p. 118-120), Signs-Fingerspelling, Artistic, Name Signs, Home Sign, Technical and Invented Signs (120-132); Sociolinguistics-Multilingualism, Diglossia, Pidginization and Creolization, Language Planning and Standardization, Language Variation, Types of Variation, Studying Variation, and Ethnography of Communication (152-157). Sign Language Continuum- ASL and English, Continuum Switching, Sign Language Dialects, Phonological Rules, Grammatical Rules, Regional Variation, Ethnic Variation, Language Attitudes-Background, Speech Studies, Deaf Community, Effect on Communication, and Language Supremacy (157-167) , Language Policy and Education-Sociolinguistic Situation, Disseminating Information, Program Goals, Competence in English, ASL Use, Academic Goals, Cultural Awareness, Desired Linguistic Behaviors, Educational Program Implications-Grouping Criteria, Teacher Competencies and Qualifications, and Family Learning Opportunities.(167-173), Total Communication, Simultaneous Communication and Bilingualism (173-182).

American Sign Language
Butterworth, R.R. (1995). The Perigee visual dictionary of signing : An A-to-Z guide to over 1,350 signs of American Sign Language. New York : Berkley Pub. Group. (REF HV2475 .B87 1995).
This text is the easiest, most comprehensive alphabetized guide to American Sign Language (Ameslan) available today. Unlike other signing books, which organize by "categories", the Visual Dictionary is arranged in a straightforward easy-to-use dictionary format. Inside you'll find special features offering a fast, simple approach to the art of signing, including over 1,350 signs - arranged alphabetically with directions on how to form each sign; detailed illustrations - showing precise hand positions and exact movements; memory aids - to assist in recalling how to make each sign; sample sentences - to clarify grammatical usage; numbers - from one to one million, including monetary signs; fingerspelling - a vital tool for communicating words for which there are no signs, or for when the sign has not yet been learned; helpful hints - suggestions and tips for easier signing; and comprehensive index - including all entries and their synonyms for easy cross-referencing. (from Einstein Catalog )

*Costello, E. (1994). Random House American Sign Language dictionary. New York, NY: Random House. ( REF, 4th floor HV2475 .C667 1994).
The most authoritative and up-to-date American Sign Language (ASL) dictionary--and the only sign language dictionary to include actual definitions. This comprehensive ASL dictionary provides over 5,600 signs and entries in an easy-to-use alphabetical format. Excellent illustrations, modeled by more than 80 deaf models and drawn by three deaf artists, capture the overall gesture without sacrificing attention to detail: users see how each sign begins and ends and the motion that occurs in between. Multiple meanings (e.g., to ring a bell versus to wear a ring) are provided and defined. Arranged like a typical dictionary, this work is easy to use and very detailed. Even the end sheets provide ready reference to the manual alphabet and more common handshapes. Sign language, has changed in response to a more enlightened time, and these changes are evident here. Not only have the signs for homosexual, China, and Japan been updated, for instance, but new words reflecting the computer age, such as disk and byte, have been included. (from Einstein Catalog ).

*Fant, L. & Miller, B.G. (1994). The American Sign Language phrase book. Chicago, IL: Contemporary Books. (4th floor, HV2475 .F36 1994).
Comes with companion video. A reference to everyday expressions in American Sign Language (ASL) in 17 topic areas. Phrases, grouped in sections such as signing and deafness, getting acquainted, health, school, family, weather, travel, and religion, are illustrated with b&w drawings. Discusses ASL grammar, and includes a sign language alphabet. Comes with companion videos (5110,ETRR). (from Einstein Catalog ).

Flodin, M. (1996). Signing everyday phrases. New York, NY : Perigee Books. (4th floor HV2474 .F55 1996).
Arranged by topic, this handy book is a much needed reference for those who come in contact with deaf people on an occasional or even a frequent basis: nurses,waiters and waitresses, firemen, policemen, doctors and emergency rescue workers, as well as friends and family members. With more than 3,100 signs, easy-to-follow directions and illustrations, and an extensive index for easy reference, this text will teach you familiar phrases.

Hoffman, C.M. (1990). Sign language comprehensive reference manual for signers and interpreters. Springfield, Ill. : Charles C. Thomas. (4th Floor HV2475 .H64 1990).
This text contains more than 6,500 entries, including vocabulary and idioms, with cross-references and sign descriptions. It is intended mainly for interpreters but can also be used effectively by signers who have at least a working knowledge of sign language.The manual is employed most profitably when the user reads the entire sign description before manually executing the sign. Since it is written for the right-hand dominant signer, those who are left-hand dominant must reverse the descriptions where appropriate. Due to the three dimensional nature of sign language, it is difficult, if not impossible, to learn how to sign from the two-dimensional pages of any book. Additionally knowledge of deaf culture is critical to contextually appropriate signing. Therefore, a qualified teacher is of utmost importance to the sign language student who wishes to build real competence in sign production, proper grammatical construction and the all-important understanding of deaf culture. Dedicated and motivated interpreters and signers are constantly striving to increase their inventories of internalized signs. Sometimes, however, this knowledge can slip away if it is not frequently called upon, either expressively or receptively. It is with this human frailty in mind that this book has been written; not for those who have had no sign language experience, but for serious interpreters and signers whose memories need occasional assistance and who wish to increase their sign language repertoires. (from Charles C. Thomas website)

Lapiak, J. A. (2001). Handspeak. Retrieved March 12, 2003 from http://www.handspeak.com/
Uses live signing models to present signs. Browse alphabetical listings of words, categories such as animals, colors, education, food and drink, places, sports, alphabets, numbers, baby signs and international signs.

Sternberg, M. (1998). American Sign Language. New York : HarperCollins Publishers. (4th floor, HV2475 .S77 1998).
Updated and revised for the first time in 17 years, this dictionary introduces more than 1,500 new signs and 4,000 illustrations. He has revised the original version of this work to include over 7000 signs and 12,000 illustrations.The book presents each sign with its pronunciation and part of speech and explanatory matter, including the derivation of the sign, its description in terms of handshape and orientation,and cross references to other words that use a similar sign. While other dictionaries like The American Sign Language Handshape Dictionary incorporate aspects of deaf culture and phonology into the prefatory material, Sternberg concentrates on signs. (from Einstein Catalog )

*Stokoe, W., Casterline, D. & Croneberg, C. (Eds.). (1975). Dictionary of ASL on linguistic principles.Washington, D.C.: Gallaudet College Press. (4th floor, HV2475.S8).
This dictionary has provided the foundation and inspiration for most of the descriptive research in ASL. This is the only dictionary to list signs by formational elements and it includes four appendices: ASL syntax, Name Signs, ASL Numeration, The Linguistic Community and Sign Language Dialects.

*Supalla, S.J. (1992). The book of name signs: Naming in American Sign Language. San Diego, CA : DawnSignPress. (4th floor, HV2474.S866 1992).
Rules for name sign formations and their appropriate uses.

Sutton, V. (2002). SignWriting online dictionary database. Retrieved August 1, 2002 from http://www.SignBank.org/.
Look up signs by handshape, or alphabetically by words. Includes pictures, signs, words which is good for educational environments.

*Tennant, R. (1998). The American Sign Language handshape dictionary. Washington, D.C. : Clerc Books, Gallaudet University Press.(REF and 4th floor- HV2475 .T46 1998.)
American Sign Language students can look up specific signs without needing to know their meaning in English beforehand by using this dictionary. This unique, two-way sign language dictionary can help users locate a sign whose meaning they have forgotten, or help them find the meaning of a new sign they have just seen for the first time. Instead of offering a conventional alphabetical arrangement of English words and their corresponding signs, the dictionary organizes more than 1,600 ASL signs by 40 basic handshapes and includes detailed descriptions on how to form each sign to represent the varying terms that it might mean.
The text introduces how signs are used in ASL structure and presents clear, explicit directions on how to identify a sign and its meaning in the specific context of its use. ASL students can track down almost any sign by employing a logical process of elimination, starting with whether the sign in question is made with one hand or two. Further distinctions of handshape, palm orientation, location, movement, and other nonmanual body signals help them to pinpoint their search while also refining their grasp of ASL syntax and grammar. A complete English word index provides the option of referring to an alphabetical listing of English terms to locate an equivalent sign or choice of signs. The uncommon balance of cross-reference features in dictionary presents students, sign language teachers, and Deaf people alike with a genuine two-language resource that enhances the opportunity to hone communication skills in both modes.(from Gallaudet University Press).

*Ward, J. (1978). Ward's natural sign language thesaurus of useful signs and synonyms. Yolanda, Calif. : Joyce Media. (4th floor, HV2475.W37).

Audiologists and Speech Therapists
*Caccamise, F. (1993). Technical Signs 4: Manual 4: Communication: Audiology and speech pathology. Rochester, NY: RIT, NTID.(4th floor and Archives HV 2474.t43 1993 v. 4).
Lists line drawings of signed audiology and speech related vocabulary using Sutton's Movement writing notation system.

Vold, F. (1990).Signing with your clients: A practical manual for audiologist and speech language pathologists. Washington, D. C.: Gallaudet University Press. (4th floor HV2474.V65).
This book, designed for use with deaf and hard of hearing clients, shows how to sign the most frequent questions and statements used by clinicians. The manual includes more than 500 line drawings illustrating the signs for 237 sentences.(from Info to Go )

Career Education/Employment
*Caccamise, F. (1993). Technical Signs 5: Manual five: Career education. Rochester, NY: RIT, NTID. (4th floor and Archives HV2474.T43 1993 v.5).

Computer

*Costello, E. (2001). Random House Webster's American Sign Language computer dictionary. New York : Random House. (4th floor, HV2475 .C6623 2001).
Explore the signing world of computers, the Internet, e-mail, and the World Wide Web. This unique compilation of ASL signs is the ideal, up-to-date reference tool -- providing access to cyberspace for members of the Deaf community, their families, friends, teachers, and colleagues.Includes full-torso illustrations and descriptions of how to make the signs• Lookup made easy through multiple cross references• Full definitions, not merely one-word glossaries. (from Random House Publishers).

English
*Caccamise, F. (1997). Technical signs manual 6: Signs for English terminology. Rochester, NY: RIT, NTID. (4th floor and Archives HV 2474.T43 1997 no.6).

Fingerspelling
*Bahleda, S.J. (1996). Fingerspelling, the real world. Cinccinnati, OH: Real World Press.(4th floor, HV2477 .B35 1996).
Contains over 2,000 practice words including those relating to deaf history and culture, names from popular culture, history, geographic locations and science and nature. Also provides tips for expressive and receptive fingerspelling and exercises for signing numerical information. (from Info to Go).

Gaertner, S. (n.d.). ASL fingerspelling dictionary. Retrieved August 1, 2002 from http://www.where.com/scott.net/asl/.

Gay, G. (22, April 2001). Fingerspelling wizard. Retrieved August 1, 2002 from http://www.iwaynet.net/%7Eggwiz/asl/.
View Norwegian, French, United Kingdom, Deaf-Blind alphabets

Invented Signed English Systems
Anthony, D. (1978). Seeing essential English elementary dictionary. Boulder, Colo. : Pruett Pub. Co. (4th floor HV2475.A68 1978).
This is an invented system created to represent the English language.

*Bornstein, H., Saulnier, K., & Hamilton, L. (1983). The comprehensive Signed English dictionary. Washington, DC: Gallaudet College Press. (REF and 4th floor, HV2475.C65 1983).
This text is the premier volume of the Signed English series. This complete dictionary has over 3,100 signs, including signs reflecting lively and contemporary vocabulary. The American Manual Alphabet, numbers, and sign markers are all located in the front of the book for easy reference. Other sections provide a general description of the Signed English system, its logic, and its use. (from Einstein Catalog )

*Bornstein, H., & Saulnier, K. (1984). The Signed English starter. Washington, DC: Kendall Green Publications. (4th floor-2 copies HV2474.B67 1984).
This book covers 940 basic signs. Information on sign systems, the use of markers and how deaf children learn English is also provided. (from Info to Go)

*Gustason, G. (1993). Signing exact English. Los Alamitos, CA : Modern Signs Press. (4th floor, HV2475 .G87 1993).
Presents a system of signs to represent the English language.

Legal
*Caccamise, F. (1998). Signs for legal and social work terminology. Rochester, NY: RIT, NTID. (4th floor, HV2474 .C326 1998).

Foret, A.T. (1976). A manual and dictionary of legal terms for interpreters for the deaf. Detroit, Mich.: Center for the Administration of Justice, Wayne State University Law School. (4th floor KF156.F65 1976).

Mathematics/Numbers
*Caccasmise, F. & Lang, H. (1996). Signs for science and mathematics : A resource book for teachers and students. Rochester, NY: RIT, NTID. (4th floor and Archives HV2474 .C328 1996).

*MacDougall, C. (1998). Numbering in American Sign Language : Number signs for everyone. San Diego, CA : DawnSignPress (OVER 4th FL. HV2474 .N86 1998).
With this book you have immediate access to ASL numbers gathered in one volume. Organized in twelve chapters with sign vocabulary, phrases, and their English translations. (from DawnSignPress)

Medical/Drugs
*Costello, E. (2000). Random House Webster's American Sign Language medical dictionary. New York : Random House. (REF HV2475 .C663 2000).
This dictionary of medical signs, all of them clearly illustrated, carefully described, and -- unlike other ASL dictionaries -- are defined. This book contains over1,000 signs, including signs for illnesses, treatments, and drugs, as well as for human anatomy and psychology, described with step-by-step instructions for making the sign, and fully illustrated with full-torso drawings Such signs are clearly needed by the ever-increasing numbers of Americans for whom ASL is either their native language or the language they learn in order to communicate effectively with those who use it. (from Einstein Catalog )

*Garcia, W.J. (1983). Medical sign language: Easily understood definitions of commonly used medical, dental, and first aid terms. Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas. (OVER 4th floor HV2475.G37 1982).
This book explains medical terms and shows how to translate the English words into ASL. Each entry lists the term, defines it, and places it in context. Detailed descriptions of the appropriate sign(s) follow, accompanied by clear line drawings of each sign. (from Info to Go)

*Woodward, J. (1980). Signs of drug use. Silver Spring, MD: T. J. Publishing. (4th floor, HV2475.W65)
This book provides more than 160 different signs related to drug and alcohol use. Signs are clearly illustrated and notes on the derivation of each sign are presented. Companion video from ETRR Video 5265. (from Info to Go) .

Pidgin Sign English or PSE
*Bragg, B. & Olson, J.R. (1993). Meeting halfway in American Sign Language: A common ground for effective communication among deaf and hearing people. Rochester, NY: Deaf Life Press. (4th floor HV2474 .B724 1994).
The most lavishly-illustrated photographic sign-language book ever published (approx. 1,300 photographs). An ideal supplementary text for intermediate sign-language classes-but can be used and enjoyed by beginning and advanced students as well. Contains complete frame-by-frame visualizations of two anecdotes, Bragg's "Crackers" and Olson's "Experiences of a Hearing Educator," a "Dialogue," and Robert Frost's poem "Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening." Photos of 43 indispensable handshapes/classifiers are also featured. Practice texts include Olson's "The Day I Almost Got Fired for Signing" and Bragg's hilarious "Beefeater Catastrophe." With introduction, explanation, notes, glosses, and bibliography.(from Deaf Life Press)

Regional Sign Language
*Kelly-Jones, N. (1981). Signs everywhere. Los Alamitos, CA : Modern Signs Press. (4th floor, HV2475.K44)

*Shroyer, E. H. (1984). Signs across America : A look at regional differences in American Sign Language. Washington, D.C. : Gallaudet College Press. (4th floor HV2474.S476 1984).
This book provides a fascinating and unique look at regional variations in American Sign Language. The authors contacted native signers in 25 states to find out their signs for 130 selected words. The results -- more than 1,200 signs -- are illustrated in this book. It is an invaluable reference for teachers of American Sign Language that explores the subtle differences in signs from different geographic areas. (from Einstein Catalog)

Religion
Bar-Tzur, D. (1999). Resources for religious/spiritual interpreting. Retrieved August 2, 2002 from http://www.rit.edu/~dabdis/rlgn/rsorcs.html

*Caccamise, F. (1993). Technical signs 7: Manual seven: Religion/Catholic. Rochester, NY: RIT, NTID. (4th floor and Archives HV 2474.T43 1993 v. 7).

Costello, E. (1986). Religious signing: A comprehensive guide for all faiths. New York: Bantam Books. ( 4th floor, HV2475.C67 1986).
This guide includes vocabulary for effective communication in religious settings. More than 500 signs are included. The book contains a special section of favorite verses, prayers and blessings. A complete index and cross-references are also included.

*Namir, L. (1977). Dictionary of sign language of the deaf in Israel. Jerusalem: Ministry of Social Welfare. (4th floor, HV2475.N35).

Shuart, A.K.(1986). Signs in Judaism : A resource book for the Jewish deaf community. New York, N.Y. : Bloch Pub. Co. (4th floor HV2475.S529 1986)

Umiker-Sebeok, J. (1987). Monastic sign languages. New York: Mouton de Gruyter. (3rd floor, P117.M66 1987).

Sciences
*Caccasmise, F. & Lang, H. (1996). Signs for science and mathematics : A resource book for teachers and students. Rochester, NY: RIT, NTID. (4th floor and Archives HV2474 .C328 1996).

Sexuality
*Minkin, M.B. (1991). Signs for sexuality : A resource manual for deaf and hard of hearing individuals, their families, and professionals. Seattle, Wash. : Planned Parenthood of Seattle-King County. (4th floor, HV2475 .M56 1991).
This text provides more than 90 new terms covering sexual abuse, sexually transmitted diseases, and reproductive health. There are more than 250 vocabulary terms and over 600 photographs showing signed words and phrases. (from Info to Go)