Why I Believe Sign Language Should be Taught in Schools; On a Global Scale.

Sign language

(noun) 

a system of communication using visual gestures and signs.

Sign language is most commonly referred to as a means by which we are able to communicate with deaf individuals, and have them communicate with us. There is no telling at what point in life we may lose our sense of hearing; It may happen at birth,it may be caused due to an accident, we may develop a disease where this is a side effect or it may happen gradually as we age. There is NO telling whether our future holds a life with all five senses or a life with just four. 

Growing up, whether enrolled in a public or private school we are given the opportunity to learn a new language. Whether it be french,spanish, latin or chinese. But what about sign language? I believe, that not only should sign language be taught to children growing up in  America, but, also in middle eastern societies and all parts of the world. 

There are SO many reasons why I believe that sign language should be taught on a global scale. However,for the sake of this article not being too lengthy I will narrow it down to my top reason why I believe that children all over the world should not be kept away from learning sign language. 

Like I previously stated before, there is no telling when one could lose the use of a “vital” sense. Life is filled with uncertainty; We never know where life is going to take us. So, I believe children should be taught sign language in schools because, ignorance ,though it may be considered a bliss to some, it is deadly to others. Children can benefit from learning sign language while in elementary school. It may be a key component in their future. For example: What if your child grows up to be a doctor? Doctors deal with all types of patients. Deaf, blind, crippled, etc. A simple learning experience like this, being taught from childhood could set an individual apart from their co-workers. The sooner you are exposed to a language, the easier it is to learn. The more a language is practiced, the better you get at it. There are several opportunities where learning sign language could be beneficial. For example: Imagine your child is in a class of 27. An accident results in one of the children in your son/daughters class losing their hearing. Do you think that this child should lose friends and miss out on opportunities due to something that was out of their own control? If the children already knew/ were in the process of learning sign language this would be an opportunity for them to practice what they have learnt.

To children, learning sign language could be a fun experience. Education providers constantly struggle with trying to get children to be involved in classroom activities. Sign language to young children could be very informative and entertaining. 2 in 1. Not only do children benefit from learning a new language that who knows, they might have to end up using in the future to speak to others or to let themselves be heard, but also the use of visual gestures and signs could be fun to young children. Not only would it be a valuable social skill but It is very interactive. Kids should be taught sign language because even when they are younger, they can come across someone who is deaf or near deaf, and as children it is natural to want to make friends, EVEN if those friends are hearing impaired. So why not give the children a chance to be free of sense boundaries when it comes to their friendships and their career paths?