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Hearing Toddler Interprets for Deaf Father By Using American Sign Language



From 1st learning how to walk to having success in potty training, small children undoubtedly surprise their mothers and fathers when they reach milestones in their lives. For deaf father, Zachary Lotane of Laguna Beach, California, who communicates only in American Sign Language (ASL), seeing his hearing one-year-old daughter interpret for him by signing was a big one.


Madison, the little girl, was waddling down an aisle in a supermarket holding two packages of dish-washing sponges when she dropped them. She quickly showed her father what she was worried about by signing, "Baby crying," and then pointing to the sound she heard, which her father couldn't hear. Zachary then mimicked Madison's motion and asked, "Baby crying?" " as she knelt to pick up the sponges she'd dropped.


Zachary shared it on TikTok as @oursignedworld. Not only was it a "wow" moment for Zachary Latone, but it was also a heartwarming one for the many people who watched the video. TikTok users all over the world were blown away by the sweetness and uniqueness of young Madison's remarkable act.


Since first posting Madi's amazing act of signing in the supermarket, the Lotane family has been extending their love of ASL and belief in tolerance and inclusivity to a wider audience. Their videos of Madi learning about the world around her are inspiring others to imagine big things for their own Deaf or Hard of Hearing children.


Zach says that the family’s social media posts have also motivated many users to start learning sign language. More and more of their followers are taking ASL classes at high schools, community colleges, and universities.


Potential Benefits of Using Sign Language with Toddlers


Possible benefits of little kids using sign language to communicate include the following:


  • Earlier aptitude at understanding speech, especially from ages one to two

  • Earlier use of speaking skills, mainly from one to two years of age

  • Earlier use of proper sentence structure when speaking

  • Less crying and whining to express desires or feelings

  • Improved parent-child bonding

  • Increase in IQ level


The good news is that using sign language with your child has no disadvantages and may have various benefits, according to educational researchers.


In short, learning ASL at a young age may aid your daughter or son to better their communication skills while also advancing in other areas just like language acquisition.



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