Just Deaf

Why is it important to start learning sign language before your child gets a CI?

More reading

Scientific literature

François Grosjean (2009), What parents want to know about bilingualism. In: The Bilingual Family Newsletter, 26(4), 1-6.

Gladys Tang (Chinese University of Hong Kong): multilingual education

Learning sign language

"We run into all kinds of situations where we're forced to use sign language. That's quite exciting."

"When Guus was three years old we were taught sign language at home."

How much language input is necessary for proper acquisition of a language?

"In Norway they offer sign language to babies at school."

How early should you start learning a (first) language?

Why is the first year of life so important for language acquisition?

"I had to sign in public for the first time -- that was quite a big step."

"The sign language classes evolve alongside your child."

"Guus' first sign was MOMMY!"

"At the day care they watched the Lotte & Max DVDs with the children, and that's how they learned how to sign."

Is it difficult for parents to learn sign language?

"It was a blessing in disguise, since we wanted to learn a new language anyway, and we enjoy it."

Why is it important that parents learn sign language too?

Why is it important for children to learn sign language if they have a CI?

"I think it's good, learning sign language from both a hearing and a deaf teacher."

"The best response is when people ask: could we join you for one of those sign language classes?"

Can children learn sign language at school?

"When family counseling started, we were taking sign language classes."

"I learn all kinds of signs from Guus."

How can you learn sign language as a parent?