SignDict Book
Turning an App into a physical Book…
The ultimate sign language guide, now create as a printed translation dictionary book!
SignDict is panther with Kann for handwrite Kana!
About The Collaboration
SignDict
Kann
Kann is an app designed to teach how to write Japanese kana step by step.
You start with the first stroke, then move to step two, step three, and so on —
learning how each character is written clearly and correctly.
The developer of Kann shared his work with me,
allowing that structured writing system to become part of SignDict.
What’s Inside the book?
SignDict is carefully structured to help you understand signs, writing, and meaning at the same time.
SignDict is carefully structured to help you understand signs, writing, and meaning at the same time. Each section of the page has a clear role, so you always know what you are learning.
Page Guide
NS — Number Signs
One Meaning, Multiple Signs
NS shows how one, two, three, four, or five signs can combine to express a single word or meaning. section of the page has a clear role, so you always know what you are learning.
HJSL — Kana in Japanese Sign Language
Kana Through JSL
HJSL shows how Japanese kana are expressed in Japanese Sign Language.
This connects written characters directly to hand movement and meaning.
Ka — Writing kana from Kann App
Learn How Characters Are Written
KA represents the Kann app system.
It shows how to write Japanese characters step by step —
stroke one, step two, step three.
hi — Hiragana Index
Find What You Need Quickly
The Hiragana Index helps you search and locate kana easily.
It also guides you to themed sections, including:
Money
Calendar
Colors
Numbers
iJ & IA — Two Sign Languages, Side by Side
Japanese and American Sign Language Image
IJ: Japanese Sign Language
IA: American Sign Language
They are placed on the right and left to show how each language translates meaning between one another.
E,H,k,t — Language Support Labels
E — English
H — Hiragana
K — Kanji / Katakana
T — Types (Helpful Hints)
Types provide guidance when multiple words share the same meaning.
These hints help beginners understand which word or sign to use.
Meet the Team
-
![]()
Antonio A. Chavez
FOUNDER & IOS ENGINEER FOR SIGNDICT
He was a deaf iOS engineer at SignDict, a designer of those Sign Language Arts, and largely self-taught.
-
![]()
Anatole Ayadi
KANN APP DEVELOPER
He is an Designer and Founder of the Kann App about learning Japanese Kana.
Frequently Asked Questions
*
Frequently Asked Questions *
-
SignDict is a sign language learning project that starts as an app and later expands into a physical book. The app serves to carefully develop, test, and refine instructional content before it is finalized for print.
-
Sign language must be accurate and precise. Before printing a physical book, SignDict is first released as an app so users and experts can review, update, and correct signs. This careful review process helps prevent serious mistakes, such as publishing incorrect signs that would be difficult or impossible to correct after printing. Such errors could cause significant harm to users and result in very severe financial consequences for the business.
-
Yes. SignDict currently exists as an app on the App Store and is available for download.
-
Yes. The physical book is currently in development and is built on the improved and verified content from the SignDict app. The book will be released only after all material has been thoroughly reviewed and confirmed to be accurate.
-
The app provides: continuous updates, corrections and refinements to signs, opportunities for feedback and ongoing improvements. Once all content is verified as accurate, it is finalized and prepared for print.
-
SignDict includes:
Japanese Sign Language (JSL)
American Sign Language (ASL)
They are shown side by side to help learners understand meaning across systems.
-
SignDict is designed for:
Beginners and those just starting out
Visual learners who benefit from clear imagery and demonstrations
People interested in both Japanese writing systems and Japanese sign language
Anyone with no prior experience — all skill levels are welcome and supported -
The physical book is expected to arrive in Fall 2026 to Early 2027. Its release will depend on ongoing improvements to the app and on meeting the necessary printing cost targets.
-
Digital Book
Apple Books Store (Coming soon)
Google Books Store (Coming soon)
Physical book
SignDict Store (Coming soon)
Amazon (Coming soon)