Exploring the Benefits of Baby Sign Language
Learning to sign with your baby may feel like an intimidating endeavor, but the benefits are truly rewarding. Baby sign language, which is the use of manual signs or gestures to communicate with preverbal babies, gives them a way to express their wants and needs before they can vocally do so. Not only can it help your baby develop more quickly, but it can make your life easier as a parent while giving your baby the satisfaction of feeling understood before their vocal development. This article will cover the basics of baby sign language, how to begin teaching your baby, plus the benefits and potential drawbacks associated with signing with babies.
What is Baby Sign Language?
Simply put, baby sign language is the use of manual signs or gestures (and not spoken or written words) to communicate with preverbal infants. Baby sign language has become increasingly popular in the past several decades as a way to bridge the gap between the infant’s limited verbal skills and the parents’ desire to understand what their baby needs or wants.
History of Baby Sign Language
The use of sign language to communicate with preverbal infants has been around for centuries, but the idea has received increased attention in recent years due to the work of several individuals. In the early 1980s, American Sign Language (ASL) researcher Linda Acredolo and developmental psychologist Susan Goodwyn conducted one of the first comprehensive scientific studies into sign language and preverbal infants, focusing on children from 8 to 30 months old. Their study, published in 1988 in the “Child Development” journal, found that infants who could communicate using ASL had fewer instances of frustration and tantrums than those who could not.
In the 1990s, the concept of baby sign language became more popular after the release of books like “Baby Signs: How To Talk With Your Baby Before Your Baby Can Talk” by Acredolo and Goodwyn. Following their research and the subsequent book, a surge of additional research on baby sign language was conducted. While these studies had varying results, most agreed that the practice helps reduce frustration in babies prior to the development of full speech, while also providing unique learning opportunities and an expanded vocabulary.
Types of Baby Sign Language
There are currently three different types of baby sign language recognized in the United States. American Sign Language (ASL) is probably the best known of the three, as it is a formal language developed by deaf communities in the United States and is sometimes used by preschools. Baby Sign Language (BSL) is another type of sign language designed specifically for babies and toddlers, and is not as formal as ASL. Finally, Modified Sign Language (MSL) uses both ASL and BSL gestures combined with a spoken word.
How To Get Started With Baby Sign Language
When it comes to getting started with baby sign language, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it is important to remember that babies start to learn and recognize signs around 6 months of age, so it is best to start teaching them earlier rather than later. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the signs you choose are simple and easy for your baby to understand and reproduce. Finally, it is important to be consistent and patient when teaching your baby to sign. The key is to make the process fun and encouraging for your baby.
Benefits of Baby Sign Language
There are several benefits associated with teaching your baby sign language, including:
- Reduced Frustration – One of the main benefits of teaching your baby to sign is that it can reduce frustration. As mentioned previously, babies have limited verbal skills, which can lead to them feeling frustrated or angry if they cannot communicate what they want or need. Using sign language gives babies a way to communicate and express themselves.
- Enhanced Cognitive Development – Research has also suggested that teaching babies sign language before they can talk can improve their cognitive development. Studies have found babies who use sign language have higher IQs than those who don’t, suggesting that the practice of signing can help stimulate brain development.
- Bonding Opportunity – Teaching your baby to sign provides an opportunity for you and your baby to bond. Giving your baby the tools to effectively communicate not only with you but with others, gives him or her a sense of independence and security.
- Faster Vocabulary Acquisition – Babies who use sign language tend to acquire verbal language more quickly than those who do not. This is likely due to the fact that signing gives them an opportunity to understand and express themselves without needing to rely solely on verbal language.
- Better Communication – Learning to sign also improves communication skills. Learning how to communicate using only sign language can give babies a better understanding of how complex language works.
Potential Drawbacks
While there are many benefits associated with teaching your baby sign language, there are some potential drawbacks that should be noted. One issue with using sign language is that using gestures or signs can sometimes disrupt a baby’s verbal development. Additionally, some research suggests that signing can limit a baby’s language abilities since signing can allow them to convey their thoughts without having to learn more complex language structures. Finally, some babies may find signing frustrating and difficult to learn.
FAQs
1. Is baby sign language beneficial?
Yes, baby sign language can be beneficial in a variety of ways. It can help reduce frustration in babies prior to the development of full speech, while also providing unique learning opportunities and an expanded vocabulary.
2. What is the difference between ASL and baby sign language?
American Sign Language (ASL) is a formal language developed by deaf communities in the United States and is sometimes used by preschools. Baby Sign Language (BSL) is another type of sign language designed specifically for babies and toddlers, and is not as formal as ASL.
3. At what age should I start teaching my baby sign language?
It is best to start teaching babies to sign around 6 months of age, as this is when they start to learn and recognize signs.
4. Does teaching babies sign language improve cognitive development?
Studies have found babies who use sign language have higher IQs than those who do not, suggesting that the practice of signing can help stimulate brain development.
5. Are there any potential drawbacks to using sign language with babies?
Yes, there are some potential drawbacks to using sign language with babies. One issue with using sign language is that using gestures or signs can sometimes disrupt a baby’s verbal development. Additionally, some research suggests that signing can limit a baby’s language abilities since signing can allow them to convey their thoughts without having to learn more complex language structures.
Conclusion
Baby sign language is a wonderful way to give your baby the tools to effectively communicate not only with you but with others. It can reduce frustration, enhance cognitive development, provide an opportunity for bonding, and foster faster vocabulary acquisition. Additionally, learning sign language can give babies a better understanding of how language works. However, there are some potential drawbacks associated with teaching your baby sign language, such as disrupting their verbal development or limiting their language abilities. Nonetheless, the benefits of baby sign language can far outweigh any potential drawbacks.