Sign language is the use of hand and body movements to communicate. It includes hand movements for entire words or phrases and finger positions for each letter of the alphabet.
Sign language may help people who are not able to pronounce words clearly or who are hearing impaired. A qualified professional teaches sign language.
Teaching a child sign language does not delay a child's ability to talk if she or he is able to learn to talk.
Current as of:
May 12, 2017
Author:
Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & John Pope, MD, MPH - Pediatrics & Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Louis Pellegrino, MD - Developmental Pediatrics