Does the use of baby sign delay speech development?

Cheri · 10-10-2007, 08:27 AM

Using baby sign language can help ease frustration for parents and babies during those preverbal times offering a simple form of communication to help enable babies to get them selves understood.

But does using baby sign language actually delay speech?

The short answer to this is no.

Signing is a very good start to communicating as a babies physical development does not allow them to start speaking properly until around 18 months old.

Communication is communication and using forms of sign and gestures are all very effective ways for a child to get their message across and get others to understand them.

Part of the problem when parents get concerned that their baby is not speaking yet is because they think that their baby should be speaking by now. But that is rarely the case

Research carried out in America and published in the Journal of Non Verbal Behavior by Dr Linda Acredolo showed that when using baby sign language and talking to your baby at the same time on average the children in their studies at 36 months of age were speaking at an equivalent level of non signing 47 month olds.

It is important to encourage your baby's attempts at speech by talking to them when using baby sign language so that they can connect the spoken word with the sign.

Does the use of baby sign delay speech development?

What do you think of this article?

Angel · 10-10-2007, 09:52 AM

Yes I agree it is important that they speak and sign at the same time which will improves their language and communication skills...

Kaitin · 10-10-2007, 09:59 AM

My dad is a doctor, and he has read several articles about how early signing helps (hearing) babies with language development. He encouraged my sister to teach her kids some basic signs. But some of the signs she taught them were not ASL (I think they were just made up) and her girls didn't learn more ASL when they got older. I didn't understand why she stopped teaching them - it was disappointing to me.

I wish ASL were taught in hearing schools. It is a beautiful language, and more people should know at least a few signs. One of my nieces knows Japanese, and she is in 3rd grade! But ASL isn't offered in any of their schools.

Angel · 10-10-2007, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaitin

My dad is a doctor, and he has read several articles about how early signing helps (hearing) babies with language development. He encouraged my sister to teach her kids some basic signs. But some of the signs she taught them were not ASL (I think they were just made up) and her girls didn't learn more ASL when they got older. I didn't understand why she stopped teaching them - it was disappointing to me.

I wish ASL were taught in hearing schools. It is a beautiful language, and more people should know at least a few signs. One of my nieces knows Japanese, and she is in 3rd grade! But ASL isn't offered in any of their schools.

:smiling: it is a beautiful language, I just wish many people will see that as you do....

jillio · 10-10-2007, 12:04 PM

And yet we still have people insisting that sign will prohibit the development of spoken language, and the scary thing is, someof these people are the very ones that parents look to for accurate information so they can make informed decisions regarding their children!

deafskeptic · 10-13-2007, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaitin

My dad is a doctor, and he has read several articles about how early signing helps (hearing) babies with language development. He encouraged my sister to teach her kids some basic signs. But some of the signs she taught them were not ASL (I think they were just made up) and her girls didn't learn more ASL when they got older. I didn't understand why she stopped teaching them - it was disappointing to me.

I wish ASL were taught in hearing schools. It is a beautiful language, and more people should know at least a few signs. One of my nieces knows Japanese, and she is in 3rd grade! But ASL isn't offered in any of their schools.

My dad is also a doctor but I remember when I first went to VSDB in Staunton, he was concerned that I'd lose my speech skills and just sign. His worries were unfounded.

DeafMonkey · 10-13-2007, 10:13 PM

My 2nd sister bought a dvd "Baby Einstein" for my nephew to learning sign language that it surpised me that she bought that I found on the dvd shelf where she keep on the shelf of movies. I am proud of my sister bought it for my nephew to learning to signs to aunt which is me

The parents have a babies it would be nice learn sign lanauages to the babies that would be nice to understand communiated to understand than having hard time

jillio · 10-13-2007, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeafMonkey

My 2nd sister bought a dvd "Baby Einstein" for my nephew to learning sign language that it surpised me that she bought that I found on the dvd shelf where she keep on the shelf of movies. I am proud of my sister bought it for my nephew to learning to signs to aunt which is me

The parents have a babies it would be nice learn sign lanauages to the babies that would be nice to understand communiated to understand than having hard time

That was a wonderful thing for your sister to do!

Angel · 10-14-2007, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeafMonkey

My 2nd sister bought a dvd "Baby Einstein" for my nephew to learning sign language that it surpised me that she bought that I found on the dvd shelf where she keep on the shelf of movies. I am proud of my sister bought it for my nephew to learning to signs to aunt which is me

The parents have a babies it would be nice learn sign lanauages to the babies that would be nice to understand communiated to understand than having hard time

Aw that was really nice of your sister to do that DeafMonkey....

jillio · 10-14-2007, 01:27 PM

See my last post in A Cochlear Implant Story thread for support of signing.

shel90 · 10-14-2007, 01:48 PM

I agree that exposing babies to sign language is a positive impact on their language development and doesn't infere with their ability to devolop speech skills.

One thing that I disagree is using voixes while signing because both languages r completely separate from each other so when using both at the same time, one language will become compromised which is usually ASL.

I did that with my daughter and I regret it so with my son, when I sign, I don't use my voice or when I speak to him, I don't sign.

jillio · 10-14-2007, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shel90

I agree that exposing babies to sign language is a positive impact on their language development and doesn't infere with their ability to devolop speech skills.

One thing that I disagree is using voixes while signing because both languages r completely separate from each other so when using both at the same time, one language will become compromised which is usually ASL.

I did that with my daughter and I regret it so with my son, when I sign, I don't use my voice or when I speak to him, I don't sign.

It is impossible for me to use ASL and voice, too. I just cannot do it. If I use voice when I sign, I lapse into PSE. So I agree with you. A proper model of spoken English does not include sign, and a proper model of ASL does not include voice.

Kaitin · 10-14-2007, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jillio

A proper model of spoken English does not include sign, and a proper model of ASL does not include voice.

Agree. If you sign with speaking English or speak English with signing, that is not proper ASL. PSE/SEE is better than no signs and I understand PSE/SEE when learning ASL, but ASL and English are different languages. ASL is not "English with the hands" and English is not "loud ASL". I think most hearing people do not understand that.

DeafMonkey · 10-14-2007, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeafMonkey

My 2nd sister bought a dvd "Baby Einstein" for my nephew to learning sign language that it surpised me that she bought that I found on the dvd shelf where she keep on the shelf of movies. I am proud of my sister bought it for my nephew to learning to signs to aunt which is me

The parents have a babies it would be nice learn sign lanauages to the babies that would be nice to understand communiated to understand than having hard time

Oops I mean 3rd sister not 2nd sister

lol

.. my 2nd sister doesnt have a kids lol

Quote:

Originally Posted by Angel

Aw that was really nice of your sister to do that DeafMonkey....

Yep nice of my sister doing for her son to learn signs because of me that I m deaf

.. oops not 2nd sister lol it is 3rd sister lol

jillio · 10-14-2007, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaitin

Agree. If you sign with speaking English or speak English with signing, that is not proper ASL. PSE/SEE is better than no signs and I understand PSE/SEE when learning ASL, but ASL and English are different languages. ASL is not "English with the hands" and English is not "loud ASL". I think most hearing people do not understand that.

What a great way to explain it!

Lanee · 10-14-2007, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaitin

ASL is not "English with the hands" and English is not "loud ASL". I think most hearing people do not understand that.

Indeed, Kaitin. I had no idea before I started ASL how different it would be. I ignorantly assumed it was all SEE and wondered how anyone could possibly sign all of that!

I've since learned the sign for "stupid" and applied it to myself.

shel90 · 10-14-2007, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaitin

Agree. If you sign with speaking English or speak English with signing, that is not proper ASL. PSE/SEE is better than no signs and I understand PSE/SEE when learning ASL, but ASL and English are different languages. ASL is not "English with the hands" and English is not "loud ASL". I think most hearing people do not understand that.

That is a great way of explaining how both languages are different and one cannot do both at the same time if they want to keep both languages to their true form.

Interpretrator · 10-15-2007, 04:05 PM

Does anyone have a link to that series of vlogs where someone (I'm sorry I've forgotten who it was now) basically asked the question "Why is sign encouraged for hearing babies but discouraged for deaf babies?" Her argument was interesting and eloquent.

Tousi · 10-15-2007, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Interpretrator

Does anyone have a link to that series of vlogs where someone (I'm sorry I've forgotten who it was now) basically asked the question "Why is sign encouraged for hearing babies but discouraged for deaf babies?" Her argument was interesting and eloquent.

Maybe over in the Deafread archives??

jillio · 10-16-2007, 12:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Interpretrator

Does anyone have a link to that series of vlogs where someone (I'm sorry I've forgotten who it was now) basically asked the question "Why is sign encouraged for hearing babies but discouraged for deaf babies?" Her argument was interesting and eloquent.

Oh, I remember that one! Wish I could help you.

Tousi · 10-16-2007, 01:15 AM

Did somebody say sign and speak at the same time? isn't that an impossibility, sort of....?

jillio · 10-16-2007, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tousi

Did somebody say sign and speak at the same time? isn't that an impossibility, sort of....?

If you are signing ASL, it is. But the MCE's were devised to accompany speech, however linguistically confusing they may be. Speaking at signing at the same time is like attempting to read Spanish while carrying on a conversation is spoken English.

Cheri · 10-16-2007, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tousi

Did somebody say sign and speak at the same time? isn't that an impossibility, sort of....?

Doesn't necessary means ASL, but I've done signed English more than ASL, when I do signed English, I speak and sign at the same time...

Kalista · 10-16-2007, 10:44 AM

My two sons were delay in their speech because their first language were ASL. I was not really worried about this, they pick up really quickly with T.V. program and pre-school interact with other children.

Now, my sons are 22 and 21 years old, their speak are advance level than I expect. I am not really worried about the hearing babies with Deaf parents's delay speech development. I preferred, they learn ASL first language than speak to communication with me more effectively in ASL.

SxyPorkie · 10-16-2007, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deafskeptic

My dad is also a doctor but I remember when I first went to VSDB in Staunton, he was concerned that I'd lose my speech skills and just sign. His worries were unfounded.

Wow... sorry it is off the topic.... my father and I went to VSDB too...

Angel · 10-16-2007, 11:04 AM

Studies have shown that signing with children and infants results in:

increased IQs
earlier speech and larger vocabulary
improved reading skills
improved motor skills
decreased frustration and tantrums
Signing allows your infant to communicate very specific thoughts before they have the vocabulary to verbally communicate. It bridges the gap between when they understand language and when the have the motor skills to verbally communicate.

Signing will not delay verbal development as some people worry; studies have shown if anything it actually a

10-10-2007, 08:27 AM	#1 (permalink)
Cheri Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Ohio Posts: 20,029	Does the use of baby sign delay speech development? Using baby sign language can help ease frustration for parents and babies during those preverbal times offering a simple form of communication to help enable babies to get them selves understood. But does using baby sign language actually delay speech? The short answer to this is no. Signing is a very good start to communicating as a babies physical development does not allow them to start speaking properly until around 18 months old. Communication is communication and using forms of sign and gestures are all very effective ways for a child to get their message across and get others to understand them. Part of the problem when parents get concerned that their baby is not speaking yet is because they think that their baby should be speaking by now. But that is rarely the case Research carried out in America and published in the Journal of Non Verbal Behavior by Dr Linda Acredolo showed that when using baby sign language and talking to your baby at the same time on average the children in their studies at 36 months of age were speaking at an equivalent level of non signing 47 month olds. It is important to encourage your baby's attempts at speech by talking to them when using baby sign language so that they can connect the spoken word with the sign. Does the use of baby sign delay speech development? What do you think of this article? __________________

10-14-2007, 01:48 PM	#11 (permalink)
shel90 Sun Whorshipper Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: A Desert Rat that has found herself in Maryland Posts: 12,342 Blog Entries: 1	I agree that exposing babies to sign language is a positive impact on their language development and doesn't infere with their ability to devolop speech skills. One thing that I disagree is using voixes while signing because both languages r completely separate from each other so when using both at the same time, one language will become compromised which is usually ASL. I did that with my daughter and I regret it so with my son, when I sign, I don't use my voice or when I speak to him, I don't sign. __________________ ~Shel~

10-16-2007, 10:44 AM	#24 (permalink)
Kalista Premium Member Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 7,277	My two sons were delay in their speech because their first language were ASL. I was not really worried about this, they pick up really quickly with T.V. program and pre-school interact with other children. Now, my sons are 22 and 21 years old, their speak are advance level than I expect. I am not really worried about the hearing babies with Deaf parents's delay speech development. I preferred, they learn ASL first language than speak to communication with me more effectively in ASL. __________________

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10-10-2007, 09:52 AM	#2 (permalink)
Angel Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 18,635	Yes I agree it is important that they speak and sign at the same time which will improves their language and communication skills...

10-10-2007, 09:59 AM	#3 (permalink)
Kaitin Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 845 Blog Entries: 23	My dad is a doctor, and he has read several articles about how early signing helps (hearing) babies with language development. He encouraged my sister to teach her kids some basic signs. But some of the signs she taught them were not ASL (I think they were just made up) and her girls didn't learn more ASL when they got older. I didn't understand why she stopped teaching them - it was disappointing to me. I wish ASL were taught in hearing schools. It is a beautiful language, and more people should know at least a few signs. One of my nieces knows Japanese, and she is in 3rd grade! But ASL isn't offered in any of their schools.

10-10-2007, 12:04 PM	#5 (permalink)
jillio Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 13,814	And yet we still have people insisting that sign will prohibit the development of spoken language, and the scary thing is, someof these people are the very ones that parents look to for accurate information so they can make informed decisions regarding their children!

10-13-2007, 10:13 PM	#7 (permalink)
DeafMonkey SUN/MOON Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 9,548	My 2nd sister bought a dvd "Baby Einstein" for my nephew to learning sign language that it surpised me that she bought that I found on the dvd shelf where she keep on the shelf of movies. I am proud of my sister bought it for my nephew to learning to signs to aunt which is me The parents have a babies it would be nice learn sign lanauages to the babies that would be nice to understand communiated to understand than having hard time

10-14-2007, 01:27 PM	#10 (permalink)
jillio Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 13,814	See my last post in A Cochlear Implant Story thread for support of signing.

10-15-2007, 04:05 PM	#18 (permalink)
Interpretrator Crime fighter Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,404	Does anyone have a link to that series of vlogs where someone (I'm sorry I've forgotten who it was now) basically asked the question "Why is sign encouraged for hearing babies but discouraged for deaf babies?" Her argument was interesting and eloquent.

10-16-2007, 01:15 AM	#21 (permalink)
Tousi Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 6,849	Did somebody say sign and speak at the same time? isn't that an impossibility, sort of....?