Teikn-til-tale for alle dei yngste i barnehagen

Abstract

This bachelor’s thesis will examine sign-supported speech in kindergartens, where the younger children are in focus. The questions that will be answered are “In what situations do kindergartens in Sogn og Fjordane use sign-supported speech?” and “What benefits do sign supported speech bring to these kindergartens?”. The theoretical data used in this thesis have great relevance, because they address language-development of children, sign-supported speech as a theory and previous research done on sign-supported speech. By using quantitative-methods, I’ve done a survey in kindergartens throughout Sogn og Fjordane where I’ve collected data that will help answer the questions in the paragraph above. The survey showed that almost half of the kindergartens in Sogn og Fjordane did use sign-supported speech on a regular basis. The survey also showed that several kindergartens used sign-supported language during meals and circle time. There were different viewpoints on the value of sign-supported speech, but it seems that it helps the children express their needs, interesses and feelings, as well as strengthens the communication between the children and the adults.