This paper will discuss the language acquisition for the Deaf and how it affects their behavioral, social, developmental, and cognitive abilities. This paper will seek to expand on different psychological theories and hypothesize that language acquisition can help them by enhancing the above mentioned capabilities for the Deaf. Doing this provides them with the tools to communicate, express themselves, and aid them in interacting with other people. Studies conducted by several researchers have shown that people who started early training of sign language tend to exhibit a greater intelligence and social capabilities, since having the ability to use sign language effectively helps them to integrate and interact with other members of their community
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At the same time, early use of signed language has also been seen to enhance the cognitive abilities in the Deaf with the Rönnberg, Söderfeldt, & Risberg, (2000) study, showing that they have better memory retention capabilities, better intellectual aptitude in proposing theories, enhanced eyesight, and enhanced spatial-mental abilities (Rönnberg, Söderfeldt, & Risberg, 2000). This is due to the ability to process, understand, and respond to sign language, which engages the brain and leads to greater mental flexibility. In addition, this study on sign language and its influence on linguistic, non-linguistic skills, brain plasticity, and memory have shown that early acquisition of sign language has a positive influence in developing mental skills.
The Deaf use sign language as their communication with others who can also understand signed language, which can help to improve their social skills and self-confidence. Communicating effectively with people in their community enhances their development of social skills that they might not achieve, for instance, if they become subjected to rely on ineffective communication such as lip-reading, or being surrounded by those who do not know how to sign. Having that social atmosphere with others like themselves allows them an opportunity to interact
At the same time, early use of signed language has also been seen to enhance the cognitive abilities in the Deaf with the Rönnberg, Söderfeldt, & Risberg, (2000) study, showing that they have better memory retention capabilities, better intellectual aptitude in proposing theories, enhanced eyesight, and enhanced spatial-mental abilities (Rönnberg, Söderfeldt, & Risberg, 2000). This is due to the ability to process, understand, and respond to sign language, which engages the brain and leads to greater mental flexibility. In addition, this study on sign language and its influence on linguistic, non-linguistic skills, brain plasticity, and memory have shown that early acquisition of sign language has a positive influence in developing mental skills.
The Deaf use sign language as their communication with others who can also understand signed language, which can help to improve their social skills and self-confidence. Communicating effectively with people in their community enhances their development of social skills that they might not achieve, for instance, if they become subjected to rely on ineffective communication such as lip-reading, or being surrounded by those who do not know how to sign. Having that social atmosphere with others like themselves allows them an opportunity to interact