Merry Christmas

Christmas

This sign has several variations.

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CHRISTMAS:
Hint:  Think of a wreath.

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CHRISTMAS:
Hint:  Think of showing the inside edge of a wreath.

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CHRISTMAS:
Hint:  Think of showing an initialized form of the sign "TREE."  (No, this sign doesn't mean "Christmas Tree."  To indicate a Christmas tree, sign CHRISTMAS + TREE.)

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MERRY CHRISTMAS!
For the "Merry Christmas" greeting, just show an "M" and a "C"

Martha's Vineyard Sign Language

Everyone who lives in Martha's Vineyard knows sign language! Well, if it was the1800's deaf and hearing people would know how to how to sign! The deaf population was so high that it was natural for everyone to embrace the language. Today the population is different, but the history lives on. I'll be putting this island on my list to travel to for 2011!

Cover of Everyone Here Spoke Sign Language: Hereditary Deafness on Marthas Vineyard

Photo Courtesy of PriceGrabber

Laurent Clerc

Laurent Clerc
Teacher, co-founder of the first permanent school for the deaf in North America.
Born	December 26, 1785 La Balme, France
Died	July 18, 1869 (aged 83) Hartford, Connecticut, United States

Books, Books and Books

We all know and trust Laurent Clerc. Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center offers an extensive list of books for multiple purposes - general, music, parents, specific focus.

For teaching purposes, I have used the following books:

This book is useful but I do not rank it number one. However, it is a good resource for beginners. 

Signing: How to Speak With Your Hands Elaine Costello

This dictionary is by far one of the best purchases to make when learning sign language. The definitions provide the origin of the word, which is helpful to remember the sign. 

Random House Webster’s Concise American Sign Language Dictionary

[Mass Market Paperback]

(1 Customer Review)

Elaine Costello

If the flash card technique worked for you during your educational career, pick up this set. It is useful for teaching purposes and for personal practice. 

	The American Sign Language Handshape Flash Cards: Set 1 Richard A. Tennant	Other Format Usually ships in 24 hours. May 22, 2002	$24.95		check store inventory add to wish list 1 used from $20.46
	The American Sign Language Handshape Flash Cards: Set 2 Richard A. Tennant	Other Format Usually ships in 24 hours. May 22, 2002	$24.95		available online only add to wish list 1 used from $19.92

Personally, I recommend taking a course or learning from a friend, even visiting the interactive websites to really grasp the language. The pictures in books are really great to boost your memory of forgotten signs or to read the connection to the sign and word. However, if you know of more books or looking for another book, share please!

Want to get certified in American Sign Language?

Ocean County College has a certification program with an extraordinary leader, Kathy Basilotto. Take a minute to peruse the classes offer or email Kathy for more information.

Better yet, enjoy one of the Rock and Roll shows performed at OCC. Here's what Kathy Basilotto says about it "American Sign Language Rock and Roll Show Fundraisers – I direct three shows per year with ITP students and professors.  These exceptional shows are mesmerizing for all who attend.  Songs performed in the show are played by a DJ; however, students perform these songs using ASL.  The concerts benefit several charities, our annual Deaf Awareness Day at OCC, and the annual senior trip to Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C."   Being a past graduate, this was one of my favorite parts of the program. It was an excellent learning experience signing on stage and an opportunity to interact with the deaf community and bond with other signers.


Learning a second language can certainly be one of the most profound accomplishments to experience!

Happy Hanukkah!