Sign language 'can aid the development of disadvantaged children'

Written by James Gadsby-Peet 10th March 2010

The development of disadvantaged children, such as those living in poverty, can be aided through non-verbal sign language, research has shown.

Baby sign language enables mothers to interact with their baby using hand gestures before he or she is able to talk, according to the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).

This method of communication allows infants to let their parents know if they are hungry or want to play.

An event titled Communicating with Your Baby has been organised by Professor Karen Pine, from the University of Hertfordshire, and aims to help mothers, especially those from low income backgrounds, who want to increase their bond with their babies and learn interaction techniques.

Professor Pine said that baby-signing can have "linguistic and wider non-linguistic benefits for infants, mainly for those who are at risk of language delay, because of social deprivation, low parental education or other factors".

Last month, research by I CAN, a charity working for children with speech and language difficulties, found that over half of parents believe they are too busy to communicate with their children.