It is an amazing thing watching a small person learn to communicate. From first coos to full sentences, it is quite a journey. It is a journey in which you can often see the wheels turning in the head of the small person as they try to find the words for what they wish to convey.
For a long time, true language is intelligible to only the parents of the small person, and only part of the time. Half-pronounced syllables standing for things desired, needs to be met (usually related to sustenance). One word demands for comfort, or a special someone.
And so it goes.
Sometimes it may take a few days before a new word or phrase can be added to the list of "understood words". Sometimes words don't sound anything like they are meant to, but if consistently used, will make the cut.
Eventually other people begin to understand the burgeoning vocabulary of the small person. Other people can also begin to influence the content of the vocabulary. The small person may appear to have different sets of words for different care-givers. He or she may begin to imitate the mannerisms or catch phrases of certain people.
My small boy is now almost entirely intelligible to us, and intelligible to others most of the time. But watching him grow in his knowledge of language and how to manipulate it in order to get what he wants and to manipulate those around him has been a most fascinating journey. Watching his growing ability to use language to speak to his Father in Heaven in prayer each night is truly humbling.
This journey is only just beginning with small girl, and we will watch with interest the differences between them, and how they express their individuality through language as they grow. Will she be more verbal sooner? Will she say different words first? I would think so...Mr Bede's first words were 'car', 'cat', and 'cake' in that order!!
What did your child say first? Do they have any favourite phrases or strange mannerisms picked up from you or a close family member?
