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| ISBN-10 | 1843105187 |
| ISBN-13 | 9781843105183 |
| Authors | Ian Stuart-Hamilton |
| Publisher | Jessica Kingsley Publishers |
| Publication Date | 2007-02-15 |
| Pages | 256 |
| Dewey Decimal | 616.858832003 |
| Rating | 4.00 |
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Description
Addressing an important aspect of social communication for people with Asperger Syndrome, who use direct, precise language and 'take things literally', this dictionary of idiomatic expressions aims to dispel any confusion that arises from the misinterpretation of language. This book provides explanations of over 5,000 idiomatic expressions plus a guide to their politeness level. Each expression is accompanied by a clear explanation of its meaning and when and how it might be used. The expressions are taken from American and British English, with some Australian expressions included as well. Although the book is primarily intended for people with Asperger Syndrome, it will be useful for anyone who finds problems understanding idiomatic and colloquial English.
Addressing an important aspect of social communication for people with Asperger Syndrome, who use direct, precise language and 'take things literally', this dictionary of idiomatic expressions aims to dispel any confusion that arises from the misinterpretation of language. This book provides explanations of over 5,000 idiomatic expressions plus a guide to their politeness level. Each expression is accompanied by a clear explanation of its meaning and when and how it might be used. The expressions are taken from American and British English, with some Australian expressions included as well. Although the book is primarily intended for people with Asperger Syndrome, it will be useful for anyone who finds problems understanding idiomatic and colloquial English.
Any library will find it an excellent language reference.
Not just for Asperger sufferers is this dictionary of everyday expressions, a reference tool which has been revised and expanded to include some 5000 expressions to reveal the meaning of everyday idiomatic expressions. People with Asperger Syndrome have difficulties with social communication: here entries are clearly explained, cover British and American English alike, and clarifies phrases commonly used - and confused - in social situations. Any library will find it an excellent language reference.Question - Can a book be too comprehensive?
You wouldn't get this book to learn phrases to use... you would use it to understand other people.There is just one small problem... most people misuse expressions a lot because they have incorrectly assumed what they mean or heard someone else use them wrong, so you could never be sure what is written here is what was actually meant, and it does nothing to help with people's lack of clarity and precision and honesty when speaking in general, which as a person with AS myself I have found a bigger problem than understanding expressions.
If you or someone you know has a serious problem understanding expressions then this book could be helpful, but I would worry that it is perhaps too comprehensive. Many of the phrases contained within seem a bit obscure or archaic. If you did start using the phrases in here the chances are that no one would be able to understand you!
Nice idea though.
Idioms
This is an excellent book and not just for people with Asperger's. I think that many of our young people today do not have a grasp of idioms and everday expressions. This book is an excellent resource for high school teachers and students.A Book That Might Put NT Translators Out of Business
For many people with autism and its related condition, Asperger's Syndrome, metaphors and other "vague" expressions are interpreted at the literal level. In many instances, people on the a/A spectrum have difficulty in understanding metaphors and certain idiomatic expressions.I like the way Anglo, American and Australian expressions are included. While the suggestion of separating each set of idiomatic phrases and metaphors by country is a good one, that is not to overlook the validity and need for this book. Even if one's child or anyone else on the a/A spectrum uses phrases from other countries, it speaks to inclusion and cultural awareness. I think that speaks to having goals for those who would most benefit from this work and it also is a fascinating look at idioms. It just might make the work of neurotypical (NT) translators lighter; people on the spectrum can consult this book for some of the more ambiguous-sounding expressions.
I recommend "What Did You Say? What Do You Mean?: An Illustrated Guide to Understanding Metaphors" by Welton, et al. and feel the Welton book does a much more thorough job of clarifying idioms and metaphors.
All in all, a solid work.