A Man Without Words

This book is an interesting read about a woman who worked to teach language to a deaf man who did not know a conventional signed language. Through the account of this pair's experiences, the author considers language development, linguistics, and the development of pidgin languages. This is an excellent read for those who are interested in considering how the deaf develop language later in life if they are not introduced to sign language as a child.

I purchased this book as a required book for an American Sign Language course I took recently. It was a GREAT book and I am very glad that it was required. If it was merely recommended I might have passed this gem by. It was a remarkable journey between a hearing teacher and a deaf language-less man. I don't want to spoil the book by telling you much more about it. I just want to highly recommend it as a story of an extraordinary life journey between two people who had to learn to communicate with one another. It is a remarkable book. Enjoy!

I cried so many times as I read this book. The innocence and insight that “Ildefonso” demonstrated was simply too much for me to bear. He managed to make his way in the world with limitations that would have destroyed anyone of lesser character. He is amazing!

Language, the ability to think of ourselves and our world in a narrative form, the ability to think of ourselves as a story, is what makes us human. We can learn from observation and exploration, but it requires language to be taught and to share experiences of others. This book offers a rare glimpse into a world that is unimaginable for most of us, and teaches us the monumental importance of learning language as effective and quickly as possible during childhood using signing, speech or both.

Heard about this book on NPR. Knew nothing about deafness, languagelessness or ASL before this book. Found the book absolutely fascinating and I am so glad I read it. I feel more knowledgeable and enriched for having read it. I will recommend it to all my avid reader friends!

An excellent book that both teaches and inspires! If you enjoy the story of Helen Keller you will equally cheer this story.

This is a required book for my language and culture class. Most books professors assign are not that fun to read, but this book will put you in tears (of joy). Illdefonso is a languageless 27 years old who learns how to learn language. It's a pretty moving book.that makes you imagine how you would perceive the world without language.

This book is really great! It’s inspiring. I had to read it for my major (Sign Language Interpreter Program) I am going to read this book again. I finished it in 2 days. It’s so enlightening.

well written and good follow throughI have read similar type of stories and whilst it compares favourably with them I was not enwrapped in it .what a shame individuals have to go through so much stress in their lives whilst the 'Bosses' live in luxury.

AA+