Two Languages Together: Simultaneous Bilingualism for Deaf/HH Children
Children can learn two or more languages at the same time. This article describes simultaneous bilingual children’s development: Simultaneous Bilinguals’ Surprising Language Trajectories. The article does not specifically address sign languages, but generalized application of the principle of exposing children to two languages can be made. Deaf/HH children learning a signed language who are also given clear visual exposure to meaning from a spoken/written language can make incremental progress toward acquiring these two different languages. To facilitate dual-language acquisition, it’s helpful to give deaf/HH children dual language learning opportunities through visual avenues and modes, such as connecting signed concepts to printed words and connecting printed text with visual learning experiences. For examples of this, see pages on the englishbyeye.org site such as Vocabulary Feast and Pairing Images with Reading, and take a look at the Read with ASL YouTube multiple-meaning word videos. Signed languages have their own mode, grammar and vocabulary that are distinct from spoken/written languages, so signed languages cannot be used at the same time as visual signaling systems. However, signed languages can be alternated with visual signaling systems (such as cueing and visual phonics) that are meant to help bring sound-based languages to the eye. Signed languages can be used to translate reading passages, as well.