How Do You Spell MAKATON?

Pronunciation: [mˈakatən] (IPA)

Makaton is a communication program that uses a combination of signs, symbols, and speech to help individuals with speech and language difficulties communicate more effectively. The word "Makaton" is spelled /mækətɒn/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable "mak" is pronounced with a short "a" sound followed by a glottal stop ("ʔ"), the second syllable "a" is pronounced with a short "a" sound, and the final syllable "ton" is pronounced with a short "o" sound followed by an "n" sound. The spelling of "Makaton" reflects the program's focus on multi-modal communication, incorporating visuals and sounds to create a more comprehensive communication system.

MAKATON Meaning and Definition

1. Makaton is a language program and communication tool primarily intended for individuals with communication difficulties, particularly those with learning difficulties or language delays. It is a system that combines the use of manual signing, gestures, symbols, and speech to enable effective communication.

   The Makaton system aims to support speech and language development, enhance comprehension, and facilitate communication between individuals who have difficulty with spoken language. It is commonly used by children and adults with various conditions, including autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy.

   The Makaton vocabulary includes a set of core signs and symbols that are used consistently across different contexts. These signs and symbols are derived from British Sign Language (BSL), but simplified and adapted to suit the needs of individuals with communication challenges.

   Makaton is often taught through structured and repetitive learning, helping to reinforce the acquisition of signs and symbols. By using Makaton, individuals can express their needs, choices, desires, and feelings more effectively, enabling them to participate more fully in social interactions and daily activities.

   The use of Makaton has been shown to improve communication skills, enhance self-confidence, and reduce frustration for individuals who struggle with verbal communication. It also aids in the development of language and literacy skills, as users learn to associate signs and symbols with written words.

   Overall, Makaton is a powerful communication tool that bridges the gap between individuals with communication difficulties and the wider community, fostering inclusion, understanding, and independence.

Common Misspellings for MAKATON

• Manatyon
• Makmahon
• maiaon
• maiason
• MAEaON
• malakon
• Raeaton
• Manatonn
• Makaloo
• Hakkton
• Maatoh
• Maotton
• Makann
• Makroton
• Maumaten

Etymology of MAKATON

The word "Makaton" is derived from two sources: "ma(k)" and "(voco)ton".

1. "Ma(k)": This element of the word is derived from the first two letters of the names of the three developers who created Makaton: Margaret (Walker), Kathy (Johnston), and Tony (Cornforth). They came together in the 1970s in the United Kingdom to develop a simplified, visual form of communication.

2. "(Voco)ton": This element represents Tony Cornforth's suggestion to add "ton" to the word "vocabulary" to create the term "vocoton". This term combined the idea of vocabulary with the sign language aspect of Makaton. However, when the word was officially registered as a trademark, it was accidentally misspelled as "Makaton", and this spelling has been used ever since.