Sign language books exist to help you learn sign language, and to aid as reference material. It's difficult to learn sign language from a book alone, but books can certainly improve your skills when used as supplements to classes. They enhance your learning experience and help you practice and develop your fluency.

Meeting with deaf people who use sign language will also help develop fluency and let you practice in a conversational setting. Be sure that the person uses the same sign language you are learning--there are many different sign languages! Sign language books cover them more in depth than this article can but here is a brief overview:

American Sign Language (ASL) is a visual language that has different vocabulary, grammar and syntax from English. Variants of ASL combine ASL signs with the word order of English. These systems are also known as "Pigdin Sign English" (PSE) and "contact signing." Manually Coded English, or (MCE) is another group of systems developed to provide a visual representation of English. However, these are more often used in children's educational settings than in social situations among deaf adults.

Where to Find Sign Language Books

When looking for sign language books, start with your local library. Local bookstores may not carry certain titles but will be able to order them for you directly from the publisher. There are also agencies that offer services and resources to deaf people. They may sell books, or be able to refer you to a place that carries them.