Lámh

Lámh is a manual, or ‘key word’ sign system used by children and adults with intellectual disability and communication needs in Ireland. 

Some people use Lámh as their main way of communicating. Others use Lámh along with other methods of communication (for example, speech, sounds, sign, pictures, technology). This is known as the Total Communication Approach.

How Lámh was developed?

Lámh was developed in Ireland in the early 1980s, to ensure we were using the same signs consistently across the country.

Lámh signs are based on or adapted from Irish Sign Language (ISL) and on natural gesture. ISL the first or preferred language of Ireland’s deaf community. Lámh and ISL are used differently.  For example, with Lámh, speech is always used with the signs and only key words in a sentence are signed.

This close link with ISL, however, allows for Lámh users to move onto more complex ways of communicating if needed. For example, if they need a larger vocabulary, the transition to ISL can be more easily made. This is why manual sign systems from other countries are not used here, as they are based on the sign language of their own country, for example, Makaton is based on British Sign Language (BSL). 

There are over 580 Lámh signs now.

How Lámh can help with communication

With Lámh, speech is always used with signs and only key words are signed. For example, with the questions, ‘will we go out to play?’, you might sign: ‘go’ and ‘play’ and ‘out’.

In language learning, adults use gestures to help young children understand what they are saying. The ability to gesture and make signs comes earlier for many children, for example, waving bye-bye, shaking head for 'no', or raising arms to be lifted up. It is often easier for them to make gestures with their hands that it is for them to make speech sounds at first.

Language is learned in the 'give and take' of conversations. Signing can provide a means of taking part in these conversations, helping the child to use language and develop vocabulary.

The benefits of using Lámh 

  • Using Lámh signs can reduce frustration, so your child is able to use signs to ask for what they want, to answer and to take part in conversation.
  • Signing naturally encourages people to slow down a little so there is more time to work out the message.
  • Signs, being visual, may be easier for your child to remember.
  • Signs emphasise small differences in the sounds of spoken words, for example, between ‘sleep’ and ‘sweet’, or ‘dog’ and ‘doll’.
  • Signs can be easier to imitate. These attempts give an opportunity to match the spoken word to the sign.
  • Early attempts at words are often unclear. If your child uses a sign as well, this will support their positive experience of communication with you.
  • Signs are a tactile, as well as a visual way of remembering the world.
  • Using signs takes the focus off speech. The person who is not under pressure to talk can establish spoken language skills at their own pace.
  • Signing encourages eye contact and attention to movement; skills that are important for supporting speech development. 

Further information and resources

Training in Lámh is about how to encourage and support your child as well as learning Lámh signs.  Ask your CDNT about Little Lámh or the Lámh Family Course.  Other options for accessing Lámh training can be found here. 

There are lots of resources you can use to learn more about Lámh: