This dictionary serves as a comprehensive reference tool designed to bridge the communication gap between the hearing and the Deaf community through the systematic documentation of American Sign Language. The authors, including Martin L. A. Sternberg, utilize their expertise in linguistics and deaf education to compile a structured lexicon that translates English vocabulary into standardized sign representations. The work functions as a pedagogical resource for students, interpreters, and families seeking to acquire or refine their proficiency in ASL.

Experts and educators frequently cite this work as a foundational reference for beginners and intermediate learners of American Sign Language. Readers often note the clarity of the instructional diagrams, which facilitate easier comprehension of complex manual movements.