Deaf children learn sign language naturally if their parents and other people around them use the language. They learn sign language in the same way as other children learn spoken language like English and French. Sign language enriches them to understand spoken and written English/French language better. Most common in Canada is American Sign Language (ASL), Langues des Signes Québécois (LSQ) and Indigenous Sign Languages (ISL). There are studies proving this to break down old myths that still occurs today.
Why sign language benefits you… studies has proven babies learn to communicate their needs, whether they are hungry or thirsty, through use of sign language before they are able to speak. Ironically its a battle for Deaf and hard of hearing children because the system focuses on listening and spoken tools only. We want you to know ASL benefits many… hearing babies, people who are Autistic, Downs Syndrome or late deafened like your parents or grandparents. Language uses words to represent meanings so people can communicate their thoughts to each other. Did you know people assumed sign language is 100% with the hands, it’s not. 70% of sign language use their body language and facial expressions to communicate.
Learning to sign is easier than ever, thanks to the internet but unfortunately Canadians are learning from the United States signs which is mostly different from us. At the moment there is a Canadian ASL dictionary and LSQ app. Organizations and businesses teach from Signing Naturally made by the US, converting to Canadian signs only during classroom instructions.
You wish to use sign language to communicate, there are few ways to do so. You can immerse yourself in the ASL/Deaf community and its culture is one of the most efficient ways of learning ASL. Take a face to face ASL instruction from Deaf certified professionals, private instruction available upon request here at SignABLE Vi5ion for customized instructions. Or you can learn online, but we have to warn you… are you 100% sure you’re signing it right? Learning sign language is valuable in a workplace, no communication barriers with your Deaf, deafened or hard of hearing customers or peers. If you wish for a signing guide to start, let us know, but we would be happy to work with you for more!