In our post “A Baby's Language Development” we noted the false theory that sign language can slow the development of a child’s language skills. While this theory is simply not true, we wanted to provide evidence debunking this theory, as well as provide information on how sign language can increase their ability to develop spoken language throughout life.
In a study by Capirici, Cattani, et. al., it was found that students who were taught sign language performed better on tests in multiple languages over students who were not taught sign language. In this study, these students excelled in their first language and performed better in a second language all while learning how to utilize sign language.
When a child is taught to use sign language, they are able to develop their language system within the Broca's Area of their brain even before they are able to speak. By nurturing the growth of the Broca’s Area, this gives your baby a head start on communicating until their verbal language/speech system catches up. This means that children can begin communicating and learning language months before other children who rely only on their ability to speak to communicate their needs.
Resources:
https://academic.oup.com/jdsde/article/3/2/135/393210?login=true https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/9781118786093.iela0215