More articles on deafness:
- Language Delays and Halloween Fun
- What Is Halloween
- Deaf Children Learn Fire Safety
- Reading for the Hearing Impaired
- Teaching Reading to the Deaf
- Help Your Deaf Child Read
What is sign language? Sign language is the visual representation of letters, words, or phrases through hand movements.
Are there different kinds of sign language? There are different types of sign language:
- American Sign Language (ASL) – a sign system used by many deaf adults that often represents phrases in a single sign. This system uses a different word order than English.
- Conceptually Accurate Signed English – a blend of ASL and Signed English
- Signed English – s sign system that uses the syntax (word order) of English as well as initialized signs and word endings.
- SEE Sign (Signing Exact English) – a sign language system used in some schools that represents words broken into parts
- Rochester Method – a method in which each word in fingerspelled.
If my child learns sign language will he be less likely to talk? While sign language can be an effective mode of communication, children and adults will always choose the most efficient and fastest way to communicate. As speech becomes more developed, the child will naturally turn to talking for his preferred communication.
What are some good books on sign language?
Sign Language Books for Kids
- Handsigns: A Sign Language Alphabet by Fain ISBN 0811811964
- An Alphabet of Animal Signs (Beginning Sign Language Series) by Collins ISBN 0931993652
- Come Sign with Us by Gallaudet Press ISBN 1563680513
Sign Language Books for Adults
- The American Sign Language Phrase Book by Fant ISBN 0809235005
- A Basic Course in American Sign Language by Humphries, Radden, and O’Rourke ISBN 0932666434
- The Gallaudet Dictionary of American Sign Language, Valli (editor) ISBN 1563682826
Where can I take a class?
- Local School Systems
- Community Colleges
- Churches
- Community Centers
Parents will also want to make sure that they are learning the sign system that is being used with their children. Above all, make sure that the person teaching the class is knowledgeable / fluent in sign language. This is not something where a person can take one class and then become a teacher.
