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Learn Black American Sign Language: A History and Complete Beginner's Guide with Over 200 Words and Phrases (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9781577154525)
Vendor:
Franklin R. Jones Jr
Product type:
Books
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Description
xDiscover 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 illustrated with full-color photographs
- And more!
In recent years, Black TikTok creators brought attention to BASL when they advocated for more accessibility on the app, where they face additional discrimination due to their skin color. The hashtag #deaftiktok attracted more than 840 million views. Since then, BASL social media influencers and TikTok stars have begun to educate the public about BASL and its importance within the Deaf community and to Black signers. With more and more people becoming interested in learning Black American Sign Language, now is the perfect time to pick it up.
Author: Franklin R. Jones Jr
ISBN-10: 1577154525
ISBN-13: 9781577154525
Publisher: Wellfleet Press
Language: English
Published: 10/28/2025
Pages: 192
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 2.00lbs
Size: 10.25h x 8.25w x 0.73d
By Franklin R. Jones Jr
xFranklin R. Jones Jr. is a faculty member at Boston University Wheelock College of Education & Human Development, where he teaches in the Deaf Studies Program. As a Black multigenerational Deaf man, Jones has a personal and professional interest in exploring the history and linguistic and cultural content of Black American Sign Language (BASL). He is also a sought-after speaker on topics related to educational, linguistic, and cultural equity in Deaf communities, with his talks covering a broad range of subjects such as Black Deaf experience, ASL, Deaf culture, linguistics, and pedagogy. His lived experience as a Black Deaf man informs his work and research, and he is dedicated to advancing the field of Deaf Studies through his teaching, community engagement, and scholarship.
Dr. Carolyn McCaskill is a graduate of the Alabama School for the Deaf and has a BA in Psychology with a minor in Social Work, and an MA in Counseling of the Deaf from Gallaudet University. She received her doctorate in Administration and Supervision and was the second black deaf female to do so from Gallaudet University. She is currently a professor in the ASL & Deaf Studies Department at Gallaudet University and has been teaching since 1996.
McCaskill is the co-author of the book and DVD The Hidden Treasures of Black ASL: Its History and Structure. Carolyn has hosted numerous workshops and seminars related to various aspects of Black ASL history, community, and culture on a local, national, and global level.
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