The Role of Sign Language for Deaf and Children

Sign language is a communication medium for deaf and speech impaired. Sign language is also able to make the brain more active, and help the development of interaction, social maturity, and cognitive development.

Deaf or hearing impaired persons, using various means of communication, including sign language, hearing aids, to written language. Sign language is a visual language that uses body language such as hand gestures, facial expressions, and gestures.

Like any language, sign language differs from country to country. Some developed countries such as the United States, Britain, and France, have their own sign language guidelines.

In Indonesia, there are two sign language guidelines used, namely Indonesian Sign Language (BISINDO) and Indonesian Sign Language System (SIBI). The fundamental difference between SIBI and BISINDO is that SIBI uses the alphabet as a one-handed sign language guide, while BISINDO uses both hand gestures in an attempt to communicate between sign language users. BISINDO is an adjustment of American Sign Language, with some variations applicable in each region.

The Importance of Screening and Learning as Early as Possible

Deaf or hearing impaired children should be introduced with sign language as early as possible. It will have a good impact on their communication skills. The first six months are the most important period of language development for the child. Therefore, each newborn should run an examination before leaving the hospital, to determine the likelihood of hearing loss or hearing loss. This is to make it easier for parents to choose how to communicate and begin the process of learning the language of the child. Not only that, sign language also helps children to improve speech recognition skills better.

Sign Language Improves Vocabulary and Improves Child Communication

For deaf or heavily impaired children, who do not get help from existing hearing aid technology, sign language becomes an important access to language as a method of communication. In fact, for a child with normal hearing, sign language can be introduced to support language development and talk to the baby. Coordination of hand gestures can help the child to point to things like milk, eat, sleep, diapers, or dolls before they can say those words.

Early children still do not have a vocabulary to express or express their desires. That's why your child might react to hit playmates who took his doll instead of asking him back. With sign language, children are given another option to communicate their feelings. A study of preschoolers shows that children who get a general introduction to sign language get satisfactory grades when taking a vocabulary test. This shows that sign language can help children understand meaning and remember new words being introduced through gestures.

Some people with hearing-deafness usually use hearing aids or cochlear implants. But with sign language, they will be better able to understand speech and communicate among the people with hearing-deafness. Although deaf people have mastered spoken language, sign language remains their primary means of communication.

For parents and children who do not have hearing problems, sign language can also help to strengthen the relationship with the Little Person and train communication skills from an early age. Sign language is simple and easy to do. You can consult a doctor or special trainer to practice using appropriate sign language.