True or false: Babies learning sign language are delayed compared to babies learning spoken language because they do not go through the stage of babbling

Analysis of the Statement

1. Understanding Babbling: Babbling is a crucial part of language development in infants, where they produce repetitive consonant-vowel combinations (e.g., "ba-ba" or "ma-ma"). This stage typically occurs around 4 to 6 months of age and is important for developing the motor skills required for speech.

2. Sign Language Development: Babies learning sign language do engage in a similar stage, often referred to as "manual babbling." This involves the repeated movement of their hands in various patterns, which serves as a precursor to more complex signing. Just like verbal babbling, manual babbling helps them practice the physical movements necessary for signing.

3. Research Findings: Studies have shown that babies exposed to sign language from an early age do not experience delays in language acquisition compared to their peers learning spoken language. In fact, they may develop communication skills earlier because sign language is a visual-spatial language that can be more accessible for infants.

4. Conclusion: The claim that babies learning sign language are delayed in their language development because they do not go through the stage of babbling is false. Both sign language and spoken language learners go through similar developmental stages, including their respective forms of "babbling."

Final Answer

False: Babies learning sign language are not delayed compared to those learning spoken language; both groups engage in developmental stages important for their respective languages.