When the film Best of Both Worlds was shown on BBC TV some years ago, it won high praise for its positive presentation of British sign language as a flexible and eloquent means of communication, and for its lively and informative portrayal of various kinds of conversation between those who hear and those who don’t. Now available on video, it offers many instructive insights for parents and teachers of children with hearing loss. Using speec, inventive animation, signing and written subtitles, it also provides a thought-provoking account of what we mean by “language” itself.

Best of Both Worlds costs pound;19.99 for individuals or pound;35 for organisations plus pound;1.95 pamp;p. The video is available from the Forest Bookshop, 8 St John’s Street, Coleford GL16 8AR. Tel: 01594 833858 (voiceminicom). Fax: 01594 833446. Videophone: 01594 810637. Email: forest@forestbooks.com