The Gestural Communication of Deaf Children

Gestural communication in deaf children involves using hand movements, facial expressions, and body language to convey meaning before they develop spoken language skills. These gestures can be voluntary, purposeful signals they create to express needs, feelings, or ideas. Over time, their gestures become more complex and organized, forming the foundation for language development. This form of communication is vital for their social interaction and cognitive growth, offering a rich, visual means of sharing information. Understanding and supporting their gestural language helps foster effective communication, confidence, and inclusion.