Generally, sign language is used as communication media for people who are deaf or speech impaired.But apart from that, sign language also has other functions that are useful for child development.
Sign language can help communication between two parties that cannot be done through spoken words. This is not limited to the deaf or speech impaired, but can also be used for children with normal hearing and speaking abilities.
In normal children who still cannot speak, sign language can be a communication tool between him and his mother or family. Sign language is also thought to accelerate a child's ability to speak and speak. In fact, children who learn sign language are believed to have higher IQs.
Sign Language in Indonesia
Sign language is a way of conveying words and sentences using hand gestures and expressions. Like any language, sign language varies from country to country.
In the United States, for example, the sign language guideline is ASL (American Sign Language). Meanwhile in Indonesia, there are two sign language guidelines used, namely the Indonesian Sign Language (BISINDO) and the Indonesian Sign Language System (SIBI).
Sign language guidelines between SIBI and BISINDO have differences. SIBI is generally more standardized and uses one hand, while BISINDO tends to be more flexible and uses both hands. In fact, BISINDO can have different variations or “dialects” in each region.
How to Introduce Sign Language to Children
Sign language can be learned by anyone. However, children who are deaf or who have hearing loss need to know sign language as early as possible. The goal is for children to be able to communicate better.
Sign language can be introduced from the age of 6-8 months. At this age, children have begun to be able to convey what they want through movements. The following are sign languages that can be introduced to children:
Sign language asking for a drink
When your little one is thirsty and wants to drink, give sign language to want to drink by placing your hands near your chest and then making a C shape with your hands as if you were holding a glass. After that, move your hand closer to your mouth as if you were drinking from a glass.
Hungry sign language
For a sign of hunger, you can wrap your arms around your neck, then move your hands from your neck to your stomach.
Sign language done
After you finish eating, you can teach your little one sign language that signifies completion. The trick is to raise your hands in front of your chest with your palms facing your face. After that, the palms are turned back to the face.
There are still many sign languages that you can introduce to your little one. But for sure, you have to be patient in introducing the sign language because your little one also needs time to learn it.
Teaching children sign language as early as possible is important, especially if the child is detected to have a hearing loss from birth.
Therefore, it's good to do screening or a hearing test at birth so that any possible hearing loss can be detected immediately. By detecting this condition as early as possible, parents can begin to prepare themselves to introduce sign language to them.
If your child is diagnosed with hearing impairment or is speech impaired, the whole family should learn sign language together so that communication can run more smoothly. Of course, learning sign language is not easy, but it can be started in the following ways:
Starting from the letters of the alphabet
You can start learning sign language from the letters A–Z. Learn the hand movements that form to reveal letter by letter and repeat it over and over so you can remember it.
Arrange into words
Once the sign language letters are memorized, you can move on to the next stage, which is learning the words. The easiest way is to spell the words. For example, you want to say eat, then you can convey sign language by arranging the letters into words, namely m-a-k-a-n.
Take sign language classes
If you have mastered these two things, you can start taking sign language classes, either face-to-face or face-to-face classes on line.
Some deaf people use hearing aids or cochlear implants. But with sign language, they will be more helpful in understanding speech and communicating with other people.
So even though deaf people have mastered spoken language, sign language usually remains the main means of communication. As for parents and children who do not have hearing problems, sign language can also help strengthen relationships and train children's communication skills from an early age.
Sign language is quite simple and easy to do. Many people can learn it on their own. However, you can also consult a doctor or specialized trainer and join a sign language community to help you practice proper sign language skills.