Why Babies Learn Sign Language Faster Than Spoken Words

Understanding why babies learn sign language faster than spoken words involves a combination of developmental, cognitive, and social factors. Research and anecdotal evidence suggest that sign language provides an easier path to communication for infants, offering advantages in motor skills, visual learning, and cognitive development.

Motor Skills and Sign Language

Babies often develop motor skills necessary for sign language earlier than they can produce clear spoken words. The gestures used in sign language are simpler and involve fewer complex movements compared to the intricate coordination required for speech. As a result, babies can more easily mimic signs, enhancing their learning process.

Visual Learning and Communication

Babies are natural visual learners, and sign language, being a visual form of communication, aligns well with their developmental stage. They can see the signs and mimic the movements, making it more intuitive for them to understand and use. This visual aspect of sign language makes it easier for babies to grasp and apply in their communication.

Immediate Feedback and Reduced Frustration

The use of sign language provides instant feedback for babies, reinforcing their learning process. When a baby signs, caregivers can immediately recognize the gesture and respond, whether by providing the desired object or food. This positive feedback loop helps reduce frustration, as babies can more effectively express their needs and desires, leading to more effective communication.

Cognitive Development through Sign Language

Learning sign language may support cognitive development by encouraging babies to think about concepts and how to express them. This can enhance their overall language development, both in signed and spoken forms. As babies learn to use signs, they begin to understand the relationship between objects and their names, laying the foundation for future language acquisition.

Social Interaction and Bonding

Sign language can promote social interaction and bonding between babies and caregivers. The shared experience of learning and using signs can enhance communication and emotional connections. When caregivers and babies engage in sign language, it creates a sense of shared understanding and support, which is crucial for the baby's emotional well-being.

The Difficulty of Speaking

Speaking, while it seems intuitive, involves a significant amount of motor coordination. Babies typically develop in a distal/radial way, meaning their motor control starts from the mouth region and extends to the arms and hands before reaching the fingers. The process of speaking requires coordination of the tongue, lips, jaw, and breath control. Babies must first develop the necessary control over their vocal tract, which includes the lungs, vocal cords, and muscles of the mouth, making it a more complex process.

Sign language, on the other hand, simplifies this process. Babies can use simplified versions of signs, which are easier to perform and understand. For example, my eldest daughter's first baby sign was "MORE" (LSF) and then "CHOCOLATE." She would later add "more yes," which translates to "ata oui" in baby French. These simplified gestures make communication easier and more intuitive for both the baby and caregiver.

Baby Sign Language and Language Development

Jackling baby sign language does not hinder the development of proper spoken language. In fact, it can be beneficial by providing early communication skills and expanding the baby's vocabulary. Babies can never have too much stimulation, and learning sign language can prepare them for more complex language tasks down the line.

For deaf babies, sign language (SL) is an essential tool for their development and well-being. Learning SL with members of the Deaf community provides critical social and linguistic support, which is complementary rather than a substitute for learning other languages. The early introduction of sign language helps deaf babies express themselves more effectively and can enhance their cognitive and social skills.

In conclusion, the faster learning of sign language by babies can be attributed to a combination of developmental advantages, cognitive benefits, and social interactions. While the process of speaking requires more motor coordination, sign language's simplified gestures and visual nature make it an easier and more intuitive form of communication for infants. Understanding these factors can help parents and caregivers support early language development and facilitate more effective communication with their babies.