Why Choose ASL for Babies?

by Amanda Paxton

We believe ASL for babies is a smart choice!

"My baby knows sign language, too!" As an advocate and teacher of sign language for babies, and the mother of a signing toddler, I hear this all the time. After making that declaration, the mom or dad will often ask the baby to show me the signs for MILK, MORE, or some other common first sign. Frequently the signs the baby makes are ASL (American Sign Language) but sometimes they are not. Although I teach pure ASL vocabulary in my baby signing classes and workshops, I know that little ones benefit from signing regardless of whether they are using ASL for babies, modified signs, or home-made signs and gestures, and as such, I do respect the use of all methodologies. Being an educator, I also recognize that unless someone has been exposed to ASL, many people do not understand that there is a very real difference between signing programs and think that all signs are ASL, when in fact, that is not necessarily true.

This website originates in the US and, as such, this article refers to American Sign Language, the established signed language of the Deaf and hard of hearing community in our country. If you live elsewhere in the world, we recommend you use the signed language of the deaf community in your nation.

Case in point: when my husband and I first started signing with our infant daughter, we were very hungry for all things baby-signing related. While out shopping one day, we came across a baby signing program and happily purchased it. Upon arriving home, I opened the box and examined the contents. After a few moments, I began to realize that not all of the illustrations were of ASL signs. Had I not already been familiar with American Sign Language, I probably would not have known that some of the signs taught in that particular program were a combination of modified ASL signs and gestures. That being said, there are some very compelling reasons why numerous baby sign language professionals believe that using pure ASL signs when teaching baby to sign is most beneficial.

First off, ASL is the language of the deaf and hard of hearing community in the United States and portions of Canada. As such, it is the third most spoken language in the US and the fourth in North America. Although there are some regional differences, the language maintains its consistency throughout the nation. Therefore, whether you live in Seattle, Washington or Key West, Florida, with a few exceptions, the signs will always be the same. When you use modifications, "made up" signs or gestures, your child is limited to communicating with only those who know your signs. Furthermore, the use of some made up gestures may actually be considered inappropriate and offensive to some members of the Deaf community. In essence, since we are borrowing the concept of signing from the Deaf community, we should be respectful of their language to the greatest extent possible.

Learning ASL signs is easy. Many of the signs for words are iconic, meaning the action or gesture looks similar to the word it represents. As a standardized language, ASL signs are readily accessible and commonly known. When you want to learn a new word, all you have to do is look it up in an ASL dictionary, which can easily be found on line or at your local library or bookstore. Alternatively, you can always ask someone who knows ASL, as most are more than willing to share their knowledge of this beautiful language with others.

Finally, many high schools and Universities are now allowing ASL to be used to fulfill second language requirements. Exposing babies to ASL lays the foundation for bilingualism.

In the scheme of things, will babies benefit and be able to communicate preverbally with his or her parents and caregivers using any baby signing program? The answer is a resounding YES! However, if you have decided that signing with your baby is for you, and you have to learn from scratch, why not go with ASL for babies so that you can learn signs from a language that you and your baby can continue to use throughout your lifetimes?