How will sign language affect our baby’s language development?
Through signs, babies learn that their thoughts can be conveyed symbolically. For example, a baby may think: “All I have to do is touch my fingers to my lips and my parents will understand that I’m hungry!” Babies also learn that language can be used to influence others. “I can get Dad to put more crackers on my plate if I sign MORE.” Signing lets babies begin to explore and understand the basic functions of language at a very early age.