Just Deaf

Is it difficult for parents to learn sign language?

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

Learning sign language

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

"The sign language classes evolve alongside your child."

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

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

"The best response is when people ask: could we join you for one of those 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."

"I learn all kinds of signs from Guus."

"Guus' first sign was MOMMY!"

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

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

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."

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

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

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

Can children learn sign language at school?

Why is it important that parents learn sign language too?

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