Speech and language is the area of development which helps a child understand and interact with the world around him. The terms speech and language can be broken down into three areas:
- A child’s receptive language is his understanding of language
- Expressive language is the way a child communicates with others
- Speech development are the sounds a child makes in order to be able to use language.
As a baby grows there are many aspects of language that play a role in development. During the first year of life a child's receptive language (understanding) far exceeds his ability to express himself using words. Although, from the early moments in life a child interacts with others using aspects of expressive language including non verbal language, vocalizations and gestures to try to express his wants and needs. During these early months of life a child lacks the motor ability in his mouth to make the motions that facilitate the production of words. One way to give a baby the tools to communicate with the world around him is by using sign language. This will help the child to use gestures/sign to communicate when he lacks the immediate ability to produce words.
The use of sign language in babies has been found to enhance the future spoken language and reduce frustration. There a beginning signs that are keys to opening up the world of communication for a baby. These are signs that a parent can learn independently from books or websites and then teach to a his or her baby. There are also videos and classes which promote the teaching of sign language. If a caregiver chooses to use sign, it is wonderful tool to introduce between birth and three months of age (although introduction later will still benefit the developing baby). The production of sign by the child will usually begin between six and nine months.
As a baby learns sign, he will be able to communicate his wants and needs before he can produce words. In addition, when a child is first producing words many sound alike. For example the child may use "ma" for both mom and more. The use of a sign along with the word will provide the communication partner with the child's actual meaning. In addition, when a child begins to produce longer words (i.e. elephant) and combine words their speech may be unclear. In this instance as well, sign will enhance the communication message and reduce frustration. Overall, sign language is a wonderful tool to help facilitate and enhance communication.