Unlocking Communication: The Multifaceted Benefits of Learning American Sign Language

American Sign Language (ASL) is a visual language that uses hand signs, facial expressions, and body language to communicate. It is a complete, natural language that has its own grammar and syntax, and is separate from English. ASL is a living, evolving language, just like any other. It's used in the United States by a variety of people, including deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing individuals. Learning ASL offers a wide array of advantages, impacting cognitive abilities, communication skills, social awareness, and career prospects. This article delves into the numerous benefits of acquiring ASL proficiency, illustrating why it's a valuable skill for individuals of all backgrounds.

ASL as a Developmental Support for Children

ASL can benefit children of any age. Using ASL signs with nonverbal infants and toddlers allows them to communicate their needs before frustration sets in. For preschoolers, incorporating signs and the ASL alphabet into learning environments has been shown to increase vocabulary and pre-literacy skills. ASL can also act as a communication support for children who are dual language learners or children who struggle with verbal communication.

ASL Users as Dual Language Learners

Children who use ASL at home or who are learning ASL are considered dual language learners. Being a dual language learner comes with increased cognitive and linguistic skill.

Supporting Children with Hearing Loss

ASL benefits all children, but especially children who are deaf or hard of hearing. If a child you serve a child who has been identified with a permanent hearing loss, explore these tips to support their participation in Head Start programs. If you’re an educator or work with parents and need strategies for accommodating a child’s hearing loss in their educational environment check out these suggestions. If you’re curious about hearing screenings and want to learn more, review these quick facts about hearing screenings for young children.

Providing Equal Opportunities for Children with Disabilities

The goal for all children in Head Start programs, including children with disabilities, is to be successful learners. It’s important to understand what services are available to your team to coordinate support for children and their families. Learn new strategies to ensure children with disabilities and hearing loss are provided with equal learning opportunities, for infants and toddlers, as well as preschool-age children.

Read also: Mandarin Chinese: Opportunities

ASL for Home Visitors

As a home visitor, you may serve families who use ASL at home or who are interested in learning ASL to support their child. If a family uses ASL at home, learning a few signs to assist in communicating with them is a great way to build rapport and trust with families.

Cognitive Enhancement

Learning a new language, including ASL, offers significant cognitive advantages. Studies have shown that bilingualism fosters analytic thinking, enhances multitasking abilities, and improves social cognition and executive control. These benefits are most evident when the second language is supported with strong bilingual education. Furthermore, bilingualism has been linked to protection against cognitive decline in older age, potentially delaying the onset of dementia by 4 to 5 years.

ASL, as a bimodal language, provides additional cognitive gains. It improves the use of co-gesture in speech, enhances the ability to identify facial expressions, boosts vocabulary development and literacy in young children, and improves spatial cognition such as mental rotation. Bimodal bilinguals can co-activate both languages during spoken comprehension, and there is no cost to simultaneous speech and sign.

Spatial Reasoning and Visualization Skills

LiveScience has published a piece all about Michele Cooke’s research on this at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Cooke noticed that students well-versed in ASL had a much easier time grasping the structural geology that her students always struggled with. The key to understanding these concepts is strong visualization skills and the ability to process complex spatial information. To test her theory, Cooke conducted a preliminary experiment by teaching structural geology at six different high schools for the deaf around the country. Every classroom gobbled up her structural geology like it was breakfast cereal, dramatically out-performing every graduate class she had ever taught. Cooke isn’t the only researcher who has seen evidence of ASL signers’ superior spatial reasoning skills.

Impact on IQ

Being an ASL native signer has been linked to a higher IQ score. Dr. Linda P. Acredolo from U. C. Davis and Dr. Susan W. Over the course of their 20-year longitudinal study, their findings were many. One thing they discovered was that early exposure to ASL leads to heightened reasoning skills and raises a child’s IQ by an average of 12 points. Beyond that, Acredolo and Goodwyn’s ASL babies were speaking much sooner than their non-ASL controls.

Read also: Exploring Play-Based Learning

Improved Communication Skills

For people who are deaf, the benefits of learning sign are undeniable. For one, anyone who knows American Sign Language has a way to communicate with all ASL signers in the world. According to Gallaudet University, ASL is the sixth most common language in the United States. Knowing ASL gives you a way to build relationships with countless deaf people and a way to enjoy the richness of the Deaf community nationwide. Communication barriers can hinder productivity and create misunderstandings within a team. These barriers can lead to feelings of isolation and frustration for deaf employees, impacting their ability to contribute effectively.

Learning ASL breaks down these barriers, ensuring that everyone can contribute and collaborate effectively. Learning ASL provides additional social benefits, such as enabling communication in noisy environments or in situations where silence is required. It facilitates effective communication with members of the Deaf community who do not communicate orally, without the need for an interpreter or assistive devices.

ASL in the Workplace

In today’s diverse workplace, effective communication is more important than ever. As businesses become increasingly global and inclusive, the need to communicate across different languages and cultures has become paramount. With deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals being an integral part of many teams, learning American Sign Language (ASL) can help bridge the communication gap and foster a more inclusive environment. When you take the time to learn ASL, you demonstrate your commitment to inclusivity and respect for your coworkers. This effort can strengthen professional relationships, build trust, and improve team dynamics. When colleagues see your dedication to learning their language, they are more likely to engage with you openly, fostering a culture of mutual understanding and respect.

Fostering Inclusivity and Social Justice

Sign language education is a matter of justice; the normalisation of sign language education and use would particularly benefit marginalised groups, such as those living with a communication disability. Finally, the integration of sign languages into the curricula would enable the flourishing of Deaf culture and go some way to resolving the tensions that have arisen from the promotion of oralist education facilitated by technologies such as cochlear implants. Teaching sign language will benefit groups in society who are significantly marginalised. Being able to communicate is an essential component of being able to participate fully in society.

It is more difficult for people who are deaf to communicate with other members of society and go about their daily lives with the ease of those who are not deaf can do. Although many people do not recognise deafness as a disability in itself (Bauman et al. 2014), the social implications of not being able to communicate in the same way as the majority of society are clear (regardless of how we conceptualise these barriers). It is, for example, more difficult to order a coffee or open a bank account if there is nobody who can communicate with you simply and effectively by non-oral means-that is, through languages such as Auslan. These are relatively trivial tasks, but it is also evident in more serious and important moments in life, such as being unable to communicate with medical staff during the birth of your child (Browne 2016).

Addressing Discrimination

There is evidence of discrimination against the deaf in both Australia and the UK. Those who are deaf have poorer employment outcomes (Hill et al. 2017; Willoughby 2011; Winn 2007); as of 2015 in Australia, people with a communication disability such as deafness have a labour participation rate of only 37.5% (Australian Bureau of Statistics 2017a). Deaf people have increased difficulty with accessing primary healthcare services (Kuenburg et al. 2016), and in the UK, deaf mental healthcare service users stay in hospital twice as long as hearing patients (Baines et al. 2010). Deaf people have increased barriers accessing the criminal justice system in the UK (Elder and Schwartz 2018) and are not able to serve as jurors in Australia (Napier and McEwin 2015). Parents of deaf children have had to resort to the courts to ensure that their children receive education that is accessible to them (Busby 2018; Komesaroff 2004).

Benefits for Individuals with Disabilities

Forms of sign language can also be useful for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, such as autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome (Toth 2009), or the plethora of genetic syndromes identified in this genomic era. Emphasising alternate modalities of language may help in making these communication methods more accessible and/or normalised. Modified forms of sign language, such as Key Word Sign or Makaton, have proved highly valuable for people with intellectual disabilities (Beecher and Childre 2012; Meuris et al. 2015; van der Meer et al. 2012). Teaching sign language may benefit individuals with, for example, autism, either directly or indirectly by making communication with their friends, family members and support staff easier. Varieties of sign languages can form a part of or a more natural alternative to augmented communication devices, and increased knowledge may be helpful for those who require access to alternative or augmented communication.

Career Advancement

Learning a new language is always a valuable skill. ASL is no exception. It not only enhances your professional capabilities but also opens doors to new opportunities and experiences in both your personal and professional life. Mastering ASL can enhance your cognitive abilities, improve your multitasking skills, and even boost your cultural awareness.

Proficiency in ASL can create career opportunities in fields such as education, healthcare, social services, interpretation, and government. Many organizations value employees who can effectively communicate with Deaf clients or colleagues.

ASL for Infants and Toddlers

It’s becoming increasingly common, even hip, to teach babies sign language before they can talk. According to the American Sign Language University, babies as young as eight months can already sign words and imitate signs from their parents. Beyond that, sign language increases opportunities for parents and children to bond in positive ways. This can eliminate untold stress and anxiety for a child and opens pathways of greater trust and understanding in the parent-child relationship. Researcher S. There’s still a lot of research to do on the benefits of baby sign language, but some research suggests that this earlier, easier communication in a child’s life can lead to greater levels of confidence in childhood and beyond.

Vocabulary and Literacy Development

Researcher Marilyn Daniels from Pennsylvania University has conducted some fascinating research on pre-school aged kids and kindergarteners learning ASL. Every time, the ASL-learning kids always had higher reading levels and a 15-20% improvement in vocabulary. They even had higher test scores than the non-ASL kids. In Daniels’s words, “[ASL] helps children in terms of giving a picture for the words. Most of the signs are iconic, so since the signs look like what the words are, it helps the child remember what the word is. Daniels’s studies with the school children were so impressive that often her results would sabotage her own experiments. Teachers were so blown away by the improvement of their ASL classes that they inevitably started teaching ASL to the non-ASL class, which meant Daniels could no longer collect her comparison data.

Basic Sign Language Tips

If you’re new to sign language, don’t worry! Getting started with ASL is easier than you might think. With the right resources and a commitment to learning, you can quickly begin to communicate effectively in ASL.

Starting with the Alphabet

Start with the basics by learning the ASL alphabet. This will help you finger spell words and names, which is a fundamental aspect of ASL. Understanding the alphabet is crucial, as it forms the foundation for more complex communication.

Common Phrases and Expressions

Once you’re comfortable with the alphabet, move on to common phrases and expressions used in everyday conversations.

Consistency is Key

Consistency is key when learning any new language. Set aside time each day to practice your ASL skills. Regular practice helps reinforce what you’ve learned and builds your confidence. You can use online resources, join local ASL classes, or even practice with your deaf coworkers. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll become.

Online Resources

There are numerous online platforms and apps dedicated to teaching ASL. These resources offer flexibility, allowing you to learn whenever and wherever you choose.

Engaging with Deaf Coworkers

Once you’ve started learning ASL, it’s important to engage with your deaf coworkers in a meaningful way. Effective engagement requires more than just language skills; it involves empathy, patience, and a genuine interest in understanding your colleagues’ perspectives.

Patience and Respect

Communication in ASL might be slower at first as you learn. Be patient with yourself and your coworkers. It’s important to recognize that learning a new language takes time, and mistakes are part of the process. Remember, respect is key. Allow your coworkers the time they need to express themselves, and don’t interrupt or rush the conversation.

Advocating for an Inclusive Workplace

Advocate for a workplace that supports deaf and hard-of-hearing employees. This can include providing interpreters for meetings, using visual aids in presentations, and ensuring that all communication tools are accessible to everyone. Promoting accessibility shows that your organization values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment.

Fostering a Culture of Inclusivity

Inclusivity goes beyond just learning ASL. Encourage your entire team to embrace diversity and make efforts to learn about deaf culture and the unique experiences of deaf individuals. This creates a more cohesive and supportive work environment. By fostering a culture of inclusivity, you help break down stereotypes and misconceptions about deafness, allowing for more meaningful interactions and collaborations.

Success Stories

Many organizations have successfully integrated ASL into their workplace culture, leading to improved communication and collaboration. These success stories highlight the positive impact of inclusivity on both employee satisfaction and organizational performance. For example, companies like Starbucks have opened “Signing Stores,” where all employees are proficient in ASL, creating an inclusive space for both employees and customers.

10 Sign Language Basics You Can Teach Your Child

There are many benefits to learning sign language. If you are interested in teaching your child sign language, there are a few things you can do to get started. As what we said, there is so much fun in sign language! Here are some sign language basics you can teach your child at home:

Alphabet

Start with the alphabet. Teach your child how to make the signs for each letter of the alphabet. You can also teach your child how to spell out their name using sign language. This can be a great way for them to understand the concept of spelling.

Basic Words

Teach your child some basic words and phrases in sign language. Some basic words you can start with include:

Give: The ASL sign language forgive is you open your palm and hold it out as if you are offering something to someone. Learning the sign language forgive can help your child decrease their impulsivity and be more thoughtful about their actions.
Thank you: The ASL sign language for thank you is you bring your palms together in front of your chest and bow your head slightly. Knowing how to say thank you in sign language can help your child be more grateful and appreciative not just towards you but to others as well, especially to people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Eat: The ASL sign language for eat is you touch your index finger to your thumb and move your hand back-and-forth like you are taking a bite out of something. This can help your child learn to tell you when they are hungry!
More: The ASL sign language for more is you touch the tips of your index finger and thumb together and then move your hand away from your body. This is a great sign to use when you are reading a book with your child or when they are asking for more food.
Help: The sign language for help is you put your palms together in front of you and extend both arms outwards. This is a great sign to use if your child is feeling overwhelmed to lessen their frustration or when they need assistance with something.

Numbers

Teach your child how to sign numbers 1-10. You can also teach your child how to count to 10 using sign language. This can help with number recognition and understanding quantity.

Colors

Teach your child how to sign colors in ASL. This can help with color recognition and naming. It is also a great way to introduce your child to new vocabulary words. In addition to a verbal response, it can help with nonverbal communication and aid in self-expression.

Family Members

Teach your child how to sign the names of immediate family members such as mom, dad, brother, and sister. Learning sign language for family members will help your child feel more connected to their family and develop a sense of belonging. This can also help them with understanding the concept of family and relationships.

Animals

Teach your child how to sign the names of common animals. This can help with animal recognition and naming. It is also a great way to introduce your child to new vocabulary words. An example would be the sign language for dogs. To sign dog, you put your hand up to your chest and make a fist with your thumb sticking out. Then you move your hand down and away from your body.

Emotions

Teach your child how to sign common emotions such as happy, sad, mad, scared, etc. This can help with emotional regulation and understanding the emotions of others. It is also a great way to teach them how to express their own emotions in addition to verbal communication.

Food

Teach your child how to sign food in sign language. Some food you can start with include: apple, banana, bread, milk, and more. This can help with food recognition and naming. It is also a great way to introduce your child to new vocabulary words. In addition, preverbal children can use sign language to communicate their needs such as when they are hungry or thirsty.

Body Parts

Teach your child how to sign common body parts in sign language. This can help with body awareness and understanding the functions of different body parts. It is also important to teach your child body parts especially when they are hurt. This can help them communicate to you where they are hurt and how much it hurts on a scale of 1-10.

Everyday Objects

Teach your child how to sign common everyday objects in sign language. This can help with object recognition and naming. It is also a great way to introduce your child to new vocabulary words. Some examples of everyday objects you can start with include: a book, ball, bottle, or toy. The ASL sign language for the book is you put your hand up to your chest with your fingers together and then move your hand away from your body.

Sign Language in Speech Therapy

Sign language can be a valuable tool for communication. It can be used to supplement speech or as a primary mode of communication. There are many benefits of using sign language in speech therapy. Some of the benefits of using sign language in speech therapy include:

Sign language can be used to supplement speech. It can be used as a way to help children learn new words.
It can help improve communication skills.
One of the prerequisite skills for speech is the ability to imitate motor behavior. Sign language can help children with speech delays develop this important skill.
It can help speech sound. Many speech sounds are made by placing the tongue in a specific position. Sign language can help children learn how to make these speech sounds by imitating hand movements.
It can help with fluency. Fluency is the ability to produce speech in a smooth, effortless manner. Many children who stutter can benefit from sign language because it allows them to see the movement of speech. This can help them learn how to produce speech fluently.

Speech therapists often recommend that parents start teaching their child sign language at an early age, even before speech develops, in order to encourage communication development. It can also help people who are deaf or hard of hearing communicate with loved ones who don’t know sign language.

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