Learning Sign Language as a Second Language

Language is a strong tool. It binds us together as a community. It helps in sharing ideas, expressing emotions and connecting with fellow human beings. There are about 7000 languages spoken around the world. You might be able to speak or understand 2 or 3 languages out of these many languages. Or maybe even more. How about learning sign language as one of those languages?

Sign language is seen in our society as a language for the deaf and dumb. It is a common notion that this source of communication should only be limited to that community. Little do people know that teaching babies sign language has far greater benefits than imagined. Babies have a natural tendency to communicate using their hands before they begin verbal communication. This makes them naturally more receptive to sign language.

Teaching children sign language helps in their language development, communications skills, and vocabulary. Such children exhibit the use of wider vocabulary to express themselves in comparison to those who have not learned sign language. It’s a common misconception that teaching a child sign language may delay speech development.

Teaching sign language includes demonstrating signs consistently, using eye contact, and linking the signs to actual objects or movements. Parents who teach their infants sign language are able to bond with them better.

Content: http://www.conferencecallsunlimited.com/kids-communicating-with-sign-language/

Image: https://www.daytranslations.com/blog/2015/09/4-reasons-to-learn-american-sign-language-asl-to-advance-in-any-career-6754