Should I Use ASL Or Home Signs?

Two main pioneers in the application of American Sign Language for babies advocate different sign style approaches. American Sign Language is a form handshapes, hand motions, gestures, and facial expressions, that convey concepts in language as a form of communication.

American Sign Language (ASL) does not follow the same grammatical properties of English. (Same as for most languages.) When Deaf people communicate through sign language, we can convey even the most abstract meanings and human emotions through signs and facial expression.

ASL is flexible and not difficult for babies to learn. From this language base came the majority agreement for using American Sign Language for babies.

Joseph Garcia (a hearing offspring of Deaf parents) believes babies should be taught American Sign Language as it is true and formally recognized language. In other words, parents will probably want to use standard sign language as the American Sign Language for babies.

Linda Acredolo promotes the use of home signs particular to an infant and family. Ms. Acredolo believes infants and parents should be encouraged to make their own signs.

Naturally there are advantages to both approaches. By encouraging the development of unique signs and gestures as proposed by researcher Acredolo, a child uses creativity. The use of creativity can impact learning skills in all areas including language. Using family designed home gestures also can increase family bonding. It is like having secret codes that mean something special. Anyone who will be involved in the infants life can share in the home signs. With American Sign Language for babies, the language is composed of both American Sign Language and a few home signs.

The biggest disadvantage to not using standard American Sign Language is the fact no one else knows the language. Mr. Garcia believes the formal American Sign Language should be taught to infants. ASL is standardized and can transmit all language and concepts in a way that anyone else who knows the language will be able to understand. The advantages of using a formal system include:

There is a standard format for instruction recognized by teachers and other signers
It can be taught to multiple groups of children
Everyone who is involved with your child can learn the signs
Everyone else who also uses ASL can also communicate with and understand your baby (until they are physically able to speak)
It will be easier to find signs online via ASL browsers and dictionaries
Using a recognized and standardized signing system reduces the possibility of confusion

ASL is a language in every sense of the word. There are universities (and even high schools!) that offer American Sign Language as a credit class in foreign languages. Knowing how to use ASL can lead to becoming bilingual. Research has proven that after you maser a second language, the third and fourth languages are easier to learn. That is because you learn to think outside single language concepts. This develops brain cognitive skills required to learn languages.

There is another major benefit to using formal American Sign Language for babies. Children who maintain the language skills throughout their school years can use the language abilities in employment. People who know how to sign are always in demand. For instance, sign language interpreters are high in demand and the pay is (often) absolutely fabulous.

Of course, no matter which sign language style you decide to use, infants will have a few signs they create on their own. No need to discourage this cleverness! These home signs can supplement the standard American Sign Language format. It is important to not discourage creativity and limit learning in a child. The important point is that American Sign Language for babies is only beneficial and teaches a language that can be used for a lifetime.

"Hi, I just wanted to make a comment on your 'which sign style' page.
I am thrilled to see both researchers mentioned, but wanted to note
that Dr. Acredolo does advocate using ASL signs and using home
signs when ASL is too difficult or abstract. The 2nd release of
Drs. Acredolo and Goodwyns book, but it might be worth taking a
second look at. Thank you for the informative baby sign language site." --Wayne