Why is Early Language Acquisition Important for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children
According to the research by Dr. Baker regarding on the early language acquisition for the deaf and hard of children, having an early language acquisition does benefit the young children greatly (Baker, 2011). The first reason is that it helps the deaf and hard of hearing children greatly is during the age of 0 to 2. The second reason is that it will boost the intelligence level. The last reason is that it helps deaf and hard of hearing children to be bilingual, or make way for more language to acquire at later age. The children whose age is around 0-2, are unable to develop a spoken English language due to the voice box not being fully developed until after the age of two. However, according to Dr. Baker, it is proven that deaf and hard of hearing children at the age of 0-2 can develop visual language, such as American Sign Language or other foreign sign languages (Baker, 2011). This will make the
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Berger quoted “Even deaf children who become able to hear before age 3 (thanks to cochlear implants) follow the sequence” (Berger, 2014, p.120). However, Berger’s argument can be refuted by Dr Mitohiner, et al…. Dr. Mitohiner, et al… stated that deaf children with cochlear implants do not make them acquire sequence of language quickly (Mitohiner, et al.., 2012). Dr. Mitohiner, et al… stated that most of children who acquired the language after the implant will face the cognitive delay or language deprivation. In addition Mitohiner, et al… encourages the deaf babies to acquire the visual language before implant; this will ensure the bilingual effort to go smoothly. There are common misunderstandings which claimed that cochlear implant is a form of language, but it is assistive technology like the hearing aids or