10 Best Sign Language Books UK 2024
Shopping for a sign language book for beginners? Look no further than our ranking of the top ten books on sign language, rated according to value for money and quality. Whether you want a picture book on sign language for babies, a sign language dictionary or a reference book explaining how sign language works, we have something for you.
Quick List - Top Sign Language Books
Cath Smith
The Consumers Favourite Detailed BSL Bible
Annie Kubler
‘Sturdy, Colourful & Clear’
Paul Redfern & Deafworks
Learn Through Real-Life Examples
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How to Choose a Sign Language Book in the UK – Buying Guide
Consider Who You Intend to Communicate With when Choosing British Sign Language or Makaton
In contrast, Makaton is a sign language developed from BSL to help children with development delays to share their thoughts more easily as they are learning to speak. Children with learning difficulties and those living with Down’s Syndrome (and their parents) often benefit greatly from using Makaton, as it allows kids to sign their thoughts and needs to adults and other children before their speech has developed fully.
Look out for a book on Makaton if you want to help younger children, with or without additional educational needs, to express their feelings through signs as a supplement to spoken language; it’s useful, enjoyable and can be a valuable bonding experience between parent and child.
Check that a Book is Aimed at the Relevant Age Range
Of course, many British Sign Language books are laid out in a way that could appeal to any age group, with an image to illustrate each word and sign. Adults may also enjoy more complicated analyses of sign language, such as books which look closely at the linguistics of signing.
Pick a Book With a Style and Learning Approach that Suits You and Your Area of Interest
Dictionary-Style Books With Clear Illustrations of Hand Gestures Are Straightforward and Easy to Follow
Books Which Delve into Linguistic Theory Are Better for Academics or Those Seeking a Deeper Understanding
Others give the reader a more nuanced understanding of the evolution of a language, its intricacies and patterns. These types of sign language books are ideal for students seeking a more profound understanding of the language or using their findings for reference in wider-reaching projects.
Story Books with a Narrative Are Great for Practice – Especially With Little Ones
Extras Such as a DVD or CD-Rom May Help Speed up the Learning Process
CD-Roms and DVDs are helpful since they allow you to watch the sign before copying it. This could be extra useful to complete beginners with no prior signing knowledge and generally aids understanding of dynamic signs which contain a simple movement.
Top 10 Best Sign Language Books in the UK
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Cath Smith 1. Let’s Sign 2nd Edition Dictionary – Cath Smith｜2nd Edition | | The Consumers Favourite Detailed BSL Bible | |
2 | City Lit 2. British Sign Language for Dummies | | Foolproof Language Learning From a Trusted Company | |
3 | Annie Kubler 3. Child’s Play My First Signs Illustrated – Annie Kubler｜Illustrated | | ‘Sturdy, Colourful & Clear’ | |
4 | Paul Redfern & Deafworks 4. Teach Yourself British Sign Language – Paul Redfern & Deafworks | | Learn Through Real-Life Examples | |
5 | Rachel Sutton-Spence 5. The Linguistics of British Sign Language: An Introduction – Rachel Sutton-Spence｜An Introduction | | Understand Signing Principles From a More Scientific Perspective | |
6 | Cath Smith 6. Sign Language Link – Cath Smith | | Signs in your Pocket for on the Spot Sign Referencing | |
7 | Margaret Walker 7. Makaton Core Vocabulary Signs｜Signs | | Ideal for Children With Learning Difficulties | |
8 | Sue Searle 8. At the Bottom of My Garden: A Rhyme and Sign Adventure – Sue Searle｜A Rhyme and Sign Adventure | | An Engaging Journey through a Garden of Signs | |
9 | Joe Jacobs 9. How to Sign with Babies with Terry the Monkey – Joe Jacobs｜With Terry the Monkey | | Charming Illustrations from a Fun Series | |
10 | Cath Smith 10. Sign Language Companion – Cath Smith｜A Handbook of British Signs | | Get the Basics Down With Bitesize Topics |
Cath Smith1. Let’s Sign 2nd Edition Dictionary – Cath Smith ｜ 2nd Edition
The Consumers Favourite Detailed BSL Bible
Containing some 2,400 clear line-drawings of British Sign Language signs, it has been revised countless times since its initial publication in 2004. Ideal for beginners, the book contains images of more than 6000 everyday words with arrows illustrating movement. Top value!
Foolproof Language Learning From a Trusted Company
This book guides you through the essentials of British Sign Language with a sense of humour and a user-friendly approach. It is laid out in a dictionary-style but divided by topic, not alphabetically, into chapters like clothing, weather, technology, free time and the deaf community.
Annie Kubler3. Child’s Play My First Signs Illustrated – Annie Kubler ｜ Illustrated
‘Sturdy, Colourful & Clear’
Whether your child is deaf, hearing impaired or able to hear, these signs are useful to aid communication between parent and baby, as well as allowing tots to express themselves to adult caregivers and peers at nursery or play school. This Makaton compatible book has received excellent reviews from parents and childcare professionals alike.
Paul Redfern & Deafworks4. Teach Yourself British Sign Language – Paul Redfern & Deafworks
Learn Through Real-Life Examples
Laid out in a dictionary-style with words and photos or drawings which illustrate how each sign works, this book also has additional notes on how facial expressions can alter the meaning of a sign and additional chapters on meaning, use and a little background on BSL.
Rachel Sutton-Spence5. The Linguistics of British Sign Language: An Introduction – Rachel Sutton-Spence ｜ An Introduction
Understand Signing Principles From a More Scientific Perspective
The book is divided into chapters which cover topics including mouth patterns, manner and mood, the evolution of sign language away from less socially acceptable signs and constructing sentences. This paperback is a fascinating read with insights into this unique and powerful means of communication.
Signs in your Pocket for on the Spot Sign Referencing
The line drawings make it easy to mimic and remember signs, with the succinct descriptions helping readers to understand any necessary movement or repetitions. Small enough to fit in your pocket and covering a decent range of words to get you started, this book is also popular with reviewers on eCommerce sites like Amazon.
Margaret Walker7. Makaton Core Vocabulary Signs ｜ Signs
Ideal for Children With Learning Difficulties
This book of core vocabulary is the perfect starting point as it guides you clearly through the highest-frequency words with super-simple line drawings, descriptions of movements and additional notes on usage. A great addition to any childcare or education-based CV. This book is currently only available on Kindle, so if you prefer to have a physical form, you may prefer one of the other books.
Sue Searle8. At the Bottom of My Garden: A Rhyme and Sign Adventure – Sue Searle ｜ A Rhyme and Sign Adventure
An Engaging Journey through a Garden of Signs
With bright, heart-warming illustrations this book is sure to become a firm favourite at story- or bed-time. It’s a 32-page paperback, so it’s flexible enough to transport around with you and detailed enough to keep fidgety tots entertained for a good long while.
Joe Jacobs9. How to Sign with Babies with Terry the Monkey – Joe Jacobs ｜ With Terry the Monkey
Charming Illustrations from a Fun Series
This series uses Terry the Monkey to guide you and your baby through signs for words like milk, Mummy, hug, play, change and bed. Other books in the collection include Halloween and Christmas vocabulary editions.
Cath Smith10. Sign Language Companion – Cath Smith ｜ A Handbook of British Signs
Get the Basics Down With Bitesize Topics
The words are divided into topics such as family, behaviour, feelings and relationships, with the sign for more than 400 terms clearly illustrated in a subtle colour palette. Every section has a puzzle at the end so you can test how much you’ve learned! But for those looking more at the linguistic aspects of sign, this may not be in-depth enough for them.
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Summary
Author: Annie Hopkins
Top 5 Sign Language Books
No. 1: Cath Smith｜1. Let’s Sign 2nd Edition Dictionary – Cath Smith｜2nd Edition
No. 2: City Lit｜2. British Sign Language for Dummies
No. 3: Annie Kubler｜3. Child’s Play My First Signs Illustrated – Annie Kubler｜Illustrated
No. 4: Paul Redfern & Deafworks｜4. Teach Yourself British Sign Language – Paul Redfern & Deafworks
No. 5: Rachel Sutton-Spence｜5. The Linguistics of British Sign Language: An Introduction – Rachel Sutton-Spence｜An Introduction
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