Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 2: Adult Sign Language
• Method 2 of 2: Sign Language for Toddlers
• Tips

People have always used non-verbal cues to communicate, and deaf people communicate with each other using their hands and facial expressions. Each country has its own sign language, for example, American Sign Language (ASL) is practiced in the USA. Today, many parents learn sign language and then teach their children.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Adult Sign Language

1. 1 Learn a few gestures that will come in handy. Learn one phrase each day, such as “hello,” “goodbye,” and “how are you.” In sign language, a single gesture often includes several words.
2. 2 Learn the alphabet. Once you learn to use gestures, you won't be able to memorize the gesture for every thought or word, but if you know the alphabet, you can “pronounce” the words.
3. 3 Replenish the stock of learned gestures.
   • Take sign language lessons. Learn to use gestures more effectively by taking courses at your local community college.
   • Go to the library or bookstore and find picture books on sign language.
4. 4 Use sign language every day.
   • Sign up for a local sign language club. There are often deaf clubs in local colleges or communities where people gather to practice sign language. Join a club and meet other people who communicate with gestures.
   • Practice your gestures in front of the mirror.Sign language includes facial expressions and gestures, so looking at yourself in the mirror can help you learn how to use gestures correctly.

Method 2 of 2: Sign Language for Toddlers

1. 1 Choose simple words when talking to your child. If you want to teach your toddler to sing, use nouns such as milk or juice. Adjectives such as "angry" or "hungry" are difficult for children to understand.
2. 2 Maintain eye contact with your baby when using baby gestures. This will give you full control of your baby's attention.
3. 3 Learn one word at a time. Show your child an object that he likes, such as his favorite toy, and then show a gesture that responds to that object.
4. 4 Also use other descriptive words for the subject when using gestures. For example, if your toddler has learned the gesture for the word "horse," start showing him phrases such as "toy horse" or "rocking horse."
5. 5 Practice gestures all the time. You can show words with gestures while walking, at lunch, reading books.

Tips

• Sign language is a fully fledged living language. If you use it every day, you can improve your communication skills in general.
• Animals are the delight of most children. When teaching gestures to children, it is worth introducing gestures to represent pets to facilitate the learning process.
• If you are good at sign language, you might even consider working as a translator for the deaf.
• Some colleges provide sign language training.