Sign Language as a Tool for Learning Adjustment for the Hearing Impaired: Implication for Counseling

Abstract

This paper examined sign language as a tool for learning adjustment for the hearing impaired. Sign language is a full-fledged natural language with its own grammar and lexicon for communication and making of sense. Sign languages are important for interaction, association and sharing of knowledge among the members of the deaf community, and between the hearing impaired and hearing citizens in the society. The deaf community refers to the people in the society who belong to a unique cultural and linguistic minority with sign as their primary language of communication. This paper takes a looks at the concept and history of sign language, sign language in Nigeria, hearing impaired, learning adjustment, importance of sign language, effects of lack of sign language in schools for the hearing impaired and sign language as tool for learning adjustment for the hearing impaired. The paper based on its position concluded that the use of sign language for and by the hearing impaired is of utmost necessity in order to bridge the gap between the deaf and hearing society and for smooth learning adjustment. It was recommended among others that: The Federal Government of Nigeria should as a matter of urgency include sign language in her policy on education and make it compulsory for all levels of education, and that the government and private organizations should provide sign language learning centers in each of the states where both the deaf children and their families can easily go for adequate training.