68 choosing and learning a language
Learning language early is important
The best years for learning language are from birth to age 7. Usually a
child learns most language between 2 and 4 years old. If a child does
not learn language by the time he is about 7 or 8 years old, it will be
more difficult for the child to learn it later. If a deaf child does not learn
a spoken or a signed language, it will also be difficult for him to fully
develop thinking skills. That is why learning language is so important.
How children learn language
Languages use symbols such as sounds, writing, or signs that allow people
to communicate with each other. Reading, writing, speaking, and signing
are all ways of using language.
The first step a child takes to learn language will be to learn the names for
people and the words for things he sees every day — words like ‘mama’,
‘cat’, or ‘baby’. But often, the first words he will say are to make something
happen — words like ‘milk’, ‘no’, or ‘up’.
Kofi,
up.
A child learns that words have
power to make things happen.
It is very rewarding for a child
to communicate and get what
he wants.
Up, up, up,
Adom!
Children first learn single words. Then
they learn the rules for using words
together. As they use language with
other people, over time they learn the
rules of language.
Children learn language by listening
and seeing the language around them
and practicing what they hear and see.
Children develop their mental abilities
when they learn more words and use
them according to the language’s rules.
They make mistakes, and then begin to
communicate successfully.
Grandma
go-ed to the
market?
Yes, Grandma
went to the
market.
Children learn language by
practicing it with others.
Helping Children Who Are Deaf (2004)