Learn Black American Sign Language: A History and Complete Beginner's Guide with Over 200 Words and Phrases

Discover the fascinating history and current use of Black American Sign Language, then bring it to life with your hands following photo-illustrated instruction.Deaf history has been told primarily from a white-centered lens, pushing Black Deaf history into the background. However, today, Black signers are telling the hidden stories of Black Deaf people and celebrating their language, exposing their dialect to millions across the world. 

Learn Black American Sign Language shares the often overlooked details of its history. The book provides:

• An introduction to Black ASL and the importance of understanding BASL
• The history of BASL, from its origins in school segregation policies to its development among Black students, families, and communities
• BASL today, its continual existence, and the influence of African American Vernacular English (AAVE)
• Over 200 BASL signs, each accompanied with full-color photographs 
• And more! 

Author(s): Deborah Willis and Barbara Krauthamer

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Paperback, Amistad, 2017
240 p, 7 × 10 in.