Signs of Their Times

Signs of Their Times is a collection of stories that chronicles experiences of Deaf individuals throughout American history. The book spans multiple time periods and locations, from 19th century Martha's Vineyard to modern urban settings. Each narrative focuses on a different aspect of Deaf life and culture, exploring relationships between Deaf and hearing people, the evolution of sign language, and the formation of Deaf communities. The stories range from intimate personal accounts to broader examinations of social and institutional changes. The storytelling moves between past and present, creating connections across generations of Deaf Americans while documenting key historical moments in Deaf history. Author Ben Bahan presents both triumphs and struggles within these interconnected narratives. Through these collected tales, the book reveals patterns in how Deaf people have navigated and shaped American society, while exploring themes of identity, belonging, and cultural preservation. The work stands as both historical record and commentary on the ongoing dialogue between Deaf and hearing worlds.

There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of Ben Bahan's overall work: Readers consistently highlight Bahan's contributions to Deaf Studies education and ASL literature through personal accounts and lecture reviews. Readers appreciate: - Clear explanations of complex Deaf cultural concepts - Integration of personal experiences with academic analysis - Accessible writing style for both Deaf and hearing audiences - Practical insights for educators and interpreters Common criticisms: - Limited availability of materials - Some academic texts seen as too theoretical for general readers - High cost of video materials featuring ASL performances Online ratings and reviews are sparse, as many of Bahan's works are academic publications or ASL performances rather than traditional books. "Journey into the Deaf-World" receives 4.5/5 stars on Goodreads (62 ratings) and Amazon (43 reviews), with readers particularly noting its value for ASL students and interpreting programs. One reader notes: "Bahan brings authenticity and depth to discussions of Deaf identity that many other authors miss" while another states "His ASL storytelling transformed how I view sign language literature."

Through Deaf Eyes by Douglas Baynton, Jack R. Gannon, and Jean Lindquist Bergey This historical examination traces Deaf culture through American history with photographs, personal accounts, and cultural analysis.

Never the Twain Shall Meet by Richard Winefield The book documents the pivotal Milan Conference of 1880 and its impact on deaf education and sign language in the United States.

A Lens on Deaf Identities by Irene W. Leigh The text explores multiple perspectives on deaf identity formation through sociological and cultural frameworks.

Made to Hear by Laura Mauldin This ethnographic study examines cochlear implant technology and its effects on deaf children and their families within medical and cultural contexts.

The People of the Eye by Harlan Lane The book presents research on deaf genealogies and inherited deafness in Martha's Vineyard to illuminate the formation of early American Deaf communities.

📚 Author Ben Bahan, who is Deaf, grew up in a Deaf family and is a professor at Gallaudet University, the world's only university designed specifically for Deaf and hard-of-hearing students. 🎭 The book explores how Deaf culture and storytelling traditions have been passed down through generations using "cinematographic" techniques in sign language, long before video technology existed. 🌐 Signs of Their Times demonstrates how American Sign Language (ASL) narratives incorporate multiple perspectives simultaneously, allowing storytellers to embody different characters and viewpoints in a way that spoken languages cannot. 📖 The work builds upon and challenges William Stokoe's groundbreaking 1960s research that first proved ASL was a complete, legitimate language with its own grammar and syntax. 🎬 The book reveals how Deaf storytellers use space, rhythm, and visual imagery to create what Bahan calls "visual music," making their narratives both entertaining and memorable for audiences.