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The Asia-Pacific University Consortium for Sign Linguistics
Supported by The Nippon Foundation
Home › Forums › Webinars 2022-23 › Early Communication and Language Development › Answer to questions (in written English)
1. There are many sayings that suggest hearing parents of deaf children should learn sign language in order to provide a conducive language environment for their children. By doing so, it is believed that language delay issues can be avoided. Apparently, your presentation suggests that hearing parents should utilize their natural abilities and strongest language to aid in their children’s language development. However, is it still beneficial for parents to use sign language with their kids? If signing is still preferred, what instructions should hearing parents be given regarding sign language use when communicating with deaf children?
Signing should be part of families natural repertoire of communication strategies. At first parents could support their spoken language (their first language) with signs. This can make the intent to communicate more accessible. The goal should always be successful communication. If this works and children learn what intentional communication is the child can lead how subsequent communication should play out. If they are interacting well in sign supported communication this can continue or the parents can add more or less signs following how the child is responding. Communication should be the priority rather than specific labels (words, signs or gestures).