American Sign Language For Babies – Why should I Use American Sign Language (ASL)?
There are many reasons to use American Sign Language (or the sign language from the country you live in) rather than inventing your own signs. The first reason is the availability of the language. Most resources regarding baby sign language online that are currently available to parents involve using American Sign Language and what many people fail to realise is that sign language is not a universal language. ASL is a complete, beautiful language that is used by approximately 15 million people in the United States. American Sign Language is an extension of the gestures that babies do naturally. Your child has probably seen ASL on Sesame Street or other children’s programs on television and may have seen interpreters at church or other meetings.
Why make-up your own signs, that only you and your child understand, when there is already a language of signs available that is easy for you and your baby to rapidly add words to your American Sign Language vocabulary?
Another reason to use standard American Sign Language for babies is to keep consistency in your signing. If you make up signs you may forget what you have made up – or you and your spouse may make up different signs and this may confuse your child.
Believe it or not, many people know at least a little sign language. Independant research has shown that there are nearly 15 million people in North America able to communicate to some degree in sign language, making it the third most commonly used language in the county. Even your child’s baby-sitter or teacher may know many signs and can also communicate with your child as well as you can. Your child will find it even more exciting to realize that not only do his mom and dad understand him, but so do other people!
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