Talking Hands (Sign Language/Educational)
Picture: C+
Sound: C+ Extras: C- Main Program: B-
To hear or not to hear.
Or is that listen? Or is it to
sign? The Deaf Community has been
adamant in many cases about retaining their world and identity by encouraging
people in the hearing world to use sign language. Like learning any foreign language, it is always better than not
to know more languages and it is not a myth that it makes an individual well rounded. Talking Hands is a nice way for children
to start early and learn basics about the language minus the politics and
controversies they would encounter at later ages getting involved and see it
for the communication it is.
It is obviously also helpful is a sibling or best friend
is deaf. This DVD teaches ASL, or
American Sign Language. The program is
clear, direct, patient and thorough in this and if you are looking for a good
visual aid on the subject, its 45 minutes are time well spend over and over
again.
The 1.33 X 1 videotaped image and Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo
with no surrounds are simple, direct, effective and adequate for a teaching
tool like this. Extras are few, but
include some basic sign language sections and previews for other educational
titles from the same company.
- Nicholas Sheffo
