Maybe a sign of the times, that we are becoming more aware of how we educate our young. Many parents are learning and teaching their siblings basic sign language. Mainly to help reduce frustating tension for a child who is keen to express what they want. However as vocal ability has not developed until 12 months plus, this is a powerful way to comunicate with baby. In the UK some pre-school nurseries are adopting this method of communication to help communicate and understand a childs needs more. It is widely documented that the majority of babies can learn to sign before they develop speech. As a nation are we highly under estimating the usability of sign language? And could we use this as a vital communication tool to reduce language barriers. 

Lets explore first what sign language is all about. 

Sign language (also signed language) is a language which, instead of speaking the language is visually transmitted in sign patterns using the hand and other parts of the body. By combining hand shapes, orientation and movement of the hands, arms or body, and facial expressions.

Sign languages originated in deaf communities, which can include interpreters and friends and families of deaf people as well as people who are deaf or hard of hearing themselves.

Wherever communities of deaf people exist, sign languages develop. Hundreds of sign languages are in use globally, but all work on the same principles. 

The fact is, sign language is not universal. Like spoken languages, sign languages emerge naturally in communities and change through time. However if all children where able to learn a single type of sign language from birth, would we all benefit? If it was to become part of the Early Years Foundation Stages and then onto school curriculum would we have the ablility to communicate across the globe. 

It is true to say that if you could comminicate to your baby, as to why it was crying, it would certainly make life easier. Often children try very hard to explain what they want or need, but this can lead to very often misunderstanding. When a child has not fully developed speech it is impossible to fully understand. We find ourselves learning through trial and error, coupled with knowledge of routine is how we begin to understand what the child really wants or needs.

So could we make life easier if we all spoke sign language?