Just Deaf

Can children learn sign language at school?

Deborah Chen-Pichler (Gallaudet University): sign language as a first language

Learning sign language

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is it difficult for parents to learn sign language?

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

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

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

How can you learn sign language as a parent?

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

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

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

"The sign language classes evolve alongside your child."

"Guus' first sign was MOMMY!"

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

"I learn all kinds of signs from Guus."

Why is it important that parents learn sign language too?