Use of Sign Language among Children

Use of Sign Language among Children

Introduction

ASL (American Sign Language) and BSL (Baby sign language) are highly specialized forms of sign language that are widely used for the purpose of communicating with preverbal toddlers and infants. Over the past two decades, Sign languages have gained increased popularity among people who are parents of infants and toddlers. ASL and BSL are also designed to assist children in expressing their wishes and needs much earlier in life than they would without these communication aids (Swanwick, 2001, p. 67). This is primarily why baby signing experts are of the strong opinion that negative behavior among children such as tantrums and frustrations can be effectively avoided if children are taught to communicate in a more positive manner through the use of sign language.

Discussion

Numerous researchers have acknowledged that children learn to understand signs at a very young age. For example, if taught or trained well, children of about six months of age can learn basic signs that cover concepts and objects like 'teddy bear', 'bath', 'play', 'cold', 'hot', 'more', 'pacifier', 'sleepy', 'hungry', 'water', 'milk', and 'thirsty'. Petitto et al. (2001), author of 'Bilingual signed and spoken acquisition from birth: Implications for the mechanisms underlying early bilingual language acquisition', conducted research to prove that when consistently and regularly exposed to sign language, children of six to seven months of age actually begin understanding these signs very efficiently by the eighth or ninth month (Petitto et al., 2001, p. 41).

Sign language usually consists of three things - manual signs, key words, and gestures. These signs, gestures and key words are specifically designed for adults and children who suffering from learning, language, and communication difficulties (Petitto et al., 2001, p. 41). The ability to use a sign for a particular word is extremely helpful for children in the long run. This is because it boosts their communication skills and provides what may be termed a 'bridge' to the spoken word (Petitto et al., 2001). In addition, sign languages also help facilitating the acquisition of written and verbal forms of communication in the later stages of the learning process. These are the main reasons why learning sign language at an early age can prove to be of immense benefit to individuals.

Fischer (1998) explains that children who learn to use and understand sign language at a very early age also exhibit a range of psychological benefits. These benefits include greater self-esteem and improved confidence in oneself. In addition, negative feelings such as anger, frustration, and resentment are also strongly subdued in such children. Hence, being able to use sign language to communicate can prove to be a lifesaver for children suffering from learning and communication difficulties, particularly at times when the child is experiencing anxiety (Fischer, 1998).

Parent, too, have acknowledged that myriad benefits that they can gain by teaching their children how to 'sign' words. For example, signing is largely regarded as rewarding since it facilitates bonding between the parents and the child (Fischer, ...