Language, a specifically human activity who involves perception and cognition are the keys concepts of communication in human society.
The baby will have to learn to produce linguistic sounds before pronouncing his firsts words. The perception and discrimination of linguistic sounds are essential for the good comprehension of language (Durand, 2015). From one month onward, babies are able to differentiate between close phonemes /ba/ and /pa/. These capacities of discrimination will be specified in the mother language. Indeed at 6-8 months babies discriminate against all phonological contrasts, by 10-12 months they don’t discriminate against contrasts foreign to their language (e.g. Japanese babies aged 12 months no longer discriminate against the sound /r/ which is not present in their language).
Learning language requires identifying the borders between sentences, for this purpose it’s necessary to be able to perceive words and syntactic units, facilitated by “speaking baby” (i.e. exaggeration of the articulation of words, slowness of speech, …). Oral language comprehension is done in several steps (Durand, 2015). First of all, babies have to memorize the sound form of the words (to do this, you have to distinguish them). Then, they have to be able to form concepts from objects. And finally, it is necessary to have the abilities to associate the word with the concept. Until 14 months, comprehension is mainly based on recognition rather than on a real symbolic understanding of the word.
Language is a communication process, which implies that it must be reciprocal. Around 1 year old the baby produces his first words. At 24 months, the baby’s lexicon is estimate at between 200 and 300 words. He begins to form short sentences of 2 to 3 words (e.g. “baby eat”).
Language acquisition is a complex phenomenon, the child learns the basics between 0 and 2 years old. However, language continues to evolve and enrich throughout life. Is it possible to facilitate the learning of oral language for babies? Is another language possible?
The notion of “baby signers” has been around in France for a few years now. Sign language learning can begin from birth, with basics signs (eating, sleeping, again…), and finally to allow the mother to automatically sign certain words and accustom the baby. It’s only at 6 months that baby have cognitive and motors abilities to perceive and reproduce the signs (Gadiou, 2014). The age of first signs varies from one baby to another.
Babies signers are sometimes perceived negatively, with the idea that learning sign language will delay oral language learning. However, several studies, including that of Goodwyn and Acredolo (1993), shown positive influence of language sign on cognitive development, language development and emotional development. The baby speaks earlier and acquires more vocabulary.
Sign language also helps to enhance the mother-child or father-child with a greater physical and emotional closeness (Gadiou, 2014). Parents and children (babies) also share more moments for building or strengthening a trusting and supportive relationship. They are in a better mood and relationships are less stressful (Gongora & Farkas, 2009).
Signs allow babies to understand their environment better, knowing that a sign means they will soon eat allow to reduces frustration and tears. The baby knows that his mother has understood what he needs and she will answer him.
As the child’s understanding and expectations are better perceived, the baby cries less and his mother is reassured, less frustrated and she is valued by the success of these exchanges (Acredolo & Goodwyn). More generally, necessity force them to observe and land, one becomes more vigilant to the other. Guided by his mother’s feedback more receptive to him, the socials interactions and the baby’s understanding of his own role are easier (Gadiou, 2014). This also helps in language learning and strengthens the mother-child bond (i.e. promotes secure attachment).
From my point of view, baby-friendly sign language is a good thing. The signs being adapted to promote oral language (i.e. perform beside the mouth to allow the baby to perceive the articulation of the word). In addition, it allows the mother and baby to understand each other earlier, the learning of signs is faster than the learning of words. This better understanding helps to limit the baby’s crying and the parents’ frustration.
Keywords: learn language, baby signers, understand, mother-child relationship
Learning words:
- mainly: principalement
- baby-friendly sign language: langage gestuelle adapté aux bébés
- to be able: être capable de
- enhance: améliorer
- share: avoir en commun, paratger
- strengthen: renforcer
- allow: permettre
Bibliography:
Durand, K. (2015). Le développement psychologique du bébé (0-2 ans). Paris: Dunod.
Gadiou, D. (2014). Bébés signeurs et attachement : Impact de l’utilisation du langage des signes sur la qualité de l’attachement dans des dyades avec dépression et anxiété maternelle (Licence 3, Université Paris 8).
Gongora, X. & Farkas, C. (2009). Infant sign language program effects on synchronic mother-infant interactions. Infant Behavior & Development. 32, 216-225.
Goodwyn, SW., & Acredolo, LP. (1993) Symbolic gesture versus word: Is there a modality advantage for onset of symbol use? Child Development, 64, 688-701.
For more information:
Le Bouhier-Charles, N. (2010, 2014). Les bébés signeurs: le langage gestuel avec bébé. Editions Jouvence France.