Why Functional Signs are more important than "Please" and "Thank You"

Makaton is a communication system that combines speech, signs, and symbols, providing a vital bridge for individuals to express themselves and understand. While the polite signs for "please" and "thank you" are often the first most people encounter, they shouldn't be the priority. In fact, an overemphasis on social niceties can actually derail the much more important goal: achieving functional communication.

This is a subject that is often discussed during training and equally provides a lot of 'lightbulb' moments, I've delivered training in many settings over the years where 'please' and 'thank you' signs were given priority during snack time, as an example' over the signs for actual items available. I've heard some wonderful snack time songs where sign has been used to support but again, the focus has been on the manners rather than the items available, with a few tweaks this can be a great time for learning and modelling language, using Makaton to support!

At its core, any effective communication programme must empower a person to communicate their needs, wants, feelings, and ideas. This is the definition of functional communication.

Think about the words that genuinely impact a person's quality of life, safety, and autonomy: "eat," "drink," "help," "toilet," These signs allow an individual to communicate their basic needs, set boundaries, and exert control over their environment.

• A person who can clearly sign "toilet" is communicating a fundamental physical need, preventing discomfort and distress.

• A person who can use the sign for "stop" is empowered to maintain their personal safety.

  
  

On the flip side, signs for "please" and "thank you" are rooted in social etiquette. While politeness is valued, these signs are not always required for the meaning of a message to be understood. "I want drink" is a clear request, even without a preceding "please."

Politeness first?

I've seen first hand how prioritising manners can create a barrier instead of a bridge both whilst supporting children and adults in many roles over the years.

In a well-meaning attempt to be polite, a learner might repeatedly use the sign for "please" but struggle to produce the sign for the actual item or action they desire, it can become a replacement sign. This leaves the communication partner in a frustrating cycle of guessing: "Are you asking for your teddy? A drink? Go for a drive?"

The focus of the interaction shifts and becomes a guessing game, sometimes, the "please" sign can even become a default or replacement sign that masks the individual’s true need.

It's stepping away from the fear of a child or an adult being deemed "rude" if not using the social words 'please' or 'thank you'

About the core vocabulary

The Makaton core vocabulary is intentionally structured to equip learners with the vital words they need for effective daily living. It’s all about giving people the power to be understood, to make choices. to communicate their needs and wants.

Final thought

While "please" and "thank you" are lovely gestures that can be introduced later, functional signs that truly help people need to be prioritised.

Ready to Explore More?

• Watch the Video: See examples of the essential, functional Makaton signs in action HERE.

• If you're ready to add them, the signs for 'please' and 'thank you' are demonstrated in the second video BELOW.

• Training Options:

  • For in-house training for your organisation, click HERE.

  • For public courses you can join, click HERE

    
    

For more information about Makaton please visit the makaton.org website

References

• Grove, N., & Walker, M. (1990). The Makaton Vocabulary: Using manual signs and symbols with language-impaired children. British Journal of Disorders of Communication, 25(3), 299–307.

  
  

• Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT). (n.d.). Communication access and inclusion. Retrieved from https://www.rcslt.org

  
  

• Sevcik, R. A., & Romski, M. A. (2002). Communication, language, and speech development: Patterns and principles. In J. F. Miller (Ed.), Research on communication development in children with developmental disabilities. Paul H. Brookes.

  
  

• Speech and Language Therapy Hub NHS. (n.d.). Total communication approach. Various NHS Trusts (e.g., Gloucestershire Health & Care NHS Foundation Trust, Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust).

  
  

• The Makaton Charity. (n.d.). The Makaton language programme: Core and fringe vocabulary. Retrieved from https://www.makaton.org/about-makaton/core-vocabulary

  
  

• The Makaton Charity. (n.d.). What is Makaton? Retrieved from https://www.makaton.org

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