The textbook for students of defectology faculties of higher pedagogical educational institutions presents a written sign language system as a means of communication and development of the deaf. The manual contains material on the topics "Family," "Home," "Household items," "Health," "Illness," "Help," etc.; tasks that contribute to the assimilation of gestures, a dictionary that helps to navigate the topics studied. It can be useful to deaf teachers, practical workers of special institutions for hearing impaired people, parents with deaf children.