What Is Makaton?
Makaton is a language system, also known as ”keyword signing,” used to help people with communication difficulties and learning disabilities communicate effectively. It is the UK’s leading language programme used by children and adults, and it’s not the same as British Sign Language (the language of the UK’s Deaf community). Still, it does incorporate elements of sign language, spoken language, and essential communication skills. The power of Makaton lies in its simplicity, as it uses a combination of signs and symbols to convey messages. Whether used with children learning to speak or adults with communication challenges, Makaton bridges the gap and fosters understanding and connection among individuals of diverse backgrounds. The Makaton symbols and signs can be easily learned and used in daily interactions, making communication more accessible and inclusive for everyone.
Unlike British Sign Language (BSL), Makaton doesn’t rely solely on gestures; it complements spoken language, making it more versatile in various contexts. The extensive use of Makaton signs adds a visual element to communication, aiding comprehension and making the process more engaging. Caregivers using these signs and symbols while speaking has been shown to encourage the development of language skills and communication. Many people with learning difficulties, cognitive challenges, or language delays have found great support through Makaton, allowing them to express themselves and understand others more effectively.
Moreover, Makaton fosters a sense of community by enabling individuals to connect on a deeper level, regardless of their communication abilities. Its power lies in its ability to bring people together, promoting empathy and inclusion in our diverse world.
Who Uses Makaton?
Makaton is embraced and used by more than 100,000 children and adults with speech and language delays, learning difficulties, verbal dyspraxia, global developmental delay and communication challenges. Individuals that use English as an Additional Language (EAL) also use Makaton in daily life as a main communication system to connect or along with speech. A speech therapist, Margaret Walker, developed the Makaton system in the 1970s. The initials of the school’s first three teachers, Margaret Walker (MA), Katherine Johnston (KA), and Tony Cornforth (TON), were combined to form the name “Makaton”. As a part of the Makaton programme, symbols were introduced in the 1980s.
Makaton becomes a beacon of hope, breaking down barriers and facilitating meaningful interactions. Teachers, parents, carers, and support workers also adopt Makaton to support the people they care for, creating an environment of understanding and compassion. Its widespread use in schools, therapy settings, and community spaces showcase the power of Makaton in building bridges and ensuring no one is left behind in the journey of communication and connection.
How Does Makaton Work?
As we mentioned, Makaton uses a combination of gestures, signs and symbols to support speech and aid comprehension. What is crucial to know is that it’s not a replacement for speech; instead, it’s a supportive tool that goes hand in hand with supporting spoken language development. Learning Makaton involves starting with illustrative symbols and simplified hand signs for people to gain a visual component to communication. The utility of Makaton lies in its seamless signs linked to spoken English. For instance, when indicating eating, the hand gestures moving towards the mouth accompany the words “food,” “hungry,” or “eat.”
Makaton boasts a core vocabulary comprising more than 450 concepts, constantly expanding with technological advancements, along with a resource vocabulary containing over 11,000 concepts. Additionally, the Makaton system incorporates uncomplicated line drawings that serve as visual aids for the words in its language. Typically, few symbols are used in conversations. Instead, they are frequently used to understand how specific things, feelings, or behaviours are represented while learning new ones. Yet, those familiar with Makaton may use a book or sheet of symbols as a visual aid. For instance, when mentioning “food,” they might point to a symbol of a plate, knife, and fork to clarify their statement. Always speak as you sign or use symbols, hold eye contact, and use facial expressions while signing. What is most important is to use short, clear sentences.
By using Makaton, individuals can feel more confident in expressing themselves and connecting with others, fostering better social interactions and breaking down communication barriers. While some people may eventually no longer use the signs, others might use them as a lifelong way of communication. It may reduce frustration, promote decision-making, and improve communication. Overall, Makaton is a powerful tool that empowers people to effectively convey their thoughts, feelings, and needs, creating a more inclusive and understanding environment for everyone involved.
The Role of Visual Symbols in Makaton
In Makaton sign language, visual symbols are crucial in making communication more accessible and engaging for individuals with communication difficulties. These symbols, often representing objects, actions, or concepts, are paired with spoken words and gestures to create a comprehensive and inclusive form of communication. Makaton symbols provide a visual clue that complements the spoken word, making it easier for learners to grasp the meaning and express themselves effectively. In essence, the vibrant and intuitive world of visual symbols in Makaton enhances communication, breaking down barriers and promoting a sense of unity and shared understanding among all participants.
Difference Between Makaton and BSL
Makaton and British Sign Language (BSL) are two distinct ways that people communicate with each other. Numerous distinctions exist between these two forms of communication, often overlooked by many individuals. While they might seem similar at first, they actually serve different purposes.
The major difference is that Makaton incorporates some aspects of sign language; it is unique in that it can complement spoken English, which is not possible with British Sign Language. A significant contrast lies in the fact that Makaton aids individuals with learning or communication difficulties who have no hearing challenges. In comparison, BSL serves as the primary means of communication for the Deaf community.
Makaton is a visual communication system that simultaneously uses signs, symbols, and spoken language to support communication and language development. It’s often used with children and individuals with learning disabilities. On the other hand, BSL is a complete language with its own grammar and syntax, primarily used by people with hearing impairments in the UK. BSL uses handshapes, facial expressions, and body movements to convey meaning, not dependent on spoken language. In summary, Makaton helps with spoken language development and communication support, while BSL is a complete sign language used as the primary means of communication for the Deaf community.
Another distinction between BSL and Makaton is the presence of regional differences. While Makaton is a widely utilised core language program across the UK, British Sign Language includes specific signs and expressions unique to certain regions within the country that are not found in others.
Makaton Use in Healthcare Settings
The use of Makaton in healthcare settings allows healthcare professionals to effectively establish communication with individuals who may have speech impairments, learning disabilities, or cognitive challenges. Makaton can help alleviate frustration and anxiety for patients who struggle to communicate their needs and concerns, ultimately leading to better outcomes and a more positive experience for all involved.
The use of Makaton in healthcare settings is not only beneficial for the individuals receiving the care but also for the carers. By learning and incorporating Makaton into their practice, carers can improve their communication skills and ensure that vital information is effectively conveyed to the individual and their family. This not only promotes person-centred care but also facilitates a collaborative and supportive approach between the healthcare team and the people they serve.
Overall, Makaton training courses and implementation in healthcare settings have the potential to create a more compassionate and accommodating environment where effective communication becomes a cornerstone of quality healthcare delivery.
Benefits of Makaton Use
Makaton sign language benefits individuals of all ages with communication difficulties. Studies have shown that incorporating Makaton into learning environments can improve children’s memory retention and language development. Additionally, it can boost confidence and self-esteem, empowering individuals to participate more actively in various social settings. Its versatility enables it to be used in numerous contexts, including schools, healthcare settings, and workplaces, making it a powerful tool that promotes inclusivity and equal opportunities for all.
Here is a list of some of the benefits of the Makaton language programme:
- Early Language Development: Makaton can be used with young children to aid in the early stages of language development and support vocabulary acquisition
- Support for Speech Development: Makaton can complement speech therapy and help individuals with speech difficulties to communicate more effectively in an inclusive way
- Improved Comprehension: By incorporating visual aids and gestures, Makaton helps individuals understand spoken language more easily
- Multimodal Learning: By combining speech, signs, and symbols, Makaton caters to various learning styles, making it an effective tool for education and communication
- Enhanced Memory Retention: The multisensory nature of Makaton aids memory retention, making it easier for individuals to recall information
- Social Interaction: Using Makaton signs in social settings promotes interaction and helps individuals build connections with others
Makaton as a Global Communication Tool
Developed to bridge the gap between spoken language and people with communication difficulties, using Makaton’s simple signs, symbols, and speech creates a rich and inclusive means of expression. Its power lies in its ability to break down barriers, fostering connections between individuals of diverse backgrounds. Whether used to support young children, individuals with learning disabilities, or people from different linguistic backgrounds, Makaton’s universal language unites hearts and minds, nurturing a world where empathy and compassion thrive.
Unique Community Services Offers Makaton Training
At Unique Community Services, we believe in the power of communication to bridge gaps and build meaningful connections. For this reason, Makaton training occupies an essential place in the wide range of training courses we provide our clinicians. We help individuals of all ages to express themselves and understand others effectively using sign language. Our passionate and dedicated team of clinicians is committed to creating a warm and supportive learning environment where everyone feels empowered to develop their signing and symbol skills at their own pace. We strive to enrich lives and create a more inclusive world for all by fostering a sense of belonging and understanding.
Contact us today and join us on this incredible journey of communication and empowerment through our inclusive and humanised services. For more information, reach us in our offices in Manchester and Bristol.
