Baby Talk

Have you ever listened to a baby when they first start making sounds, long before they actually start talking (in words we understand, that is)? It is cute, and often hilarious.

I have noticed that babies seem to start out with only one or two syllables. They mumble, coo, squeal and say them over and over again, with various intonations and facial expressions. After some time, they increase their repertoire by another syllable, then another one, and another one...until, one day, they say their first real word.

What is even more interesting, though, is the fact that they indeed try to mimic us to a certain degree. If you say a word which contains new syllables over and over again, they will try to repeat the new syllable (usually the first syllable of the word). At some point, they might even understand that some strange new word is your name, and try to get the syllable(s) right when they see you (even before they have managed to say their first word).

On another note, whoever says babies can't understand what you are saying is wrong. Have you ever tried to get across the meaning of "no", not only by saying it (probably even while laughing because it is just too funny what the baby did, even though it shouldn't do it) but by actually emphasising the meaning with your intonation and facial expression, maybe even shaking your head? It works.

However, back to the funny part. Talking to a baby is usually very funny and relaxing. When they react to your voice and actions with delightful screams or just a big smile, or seem to enter a "real" conversation with you (one that makes no sense because no one actually understands the sounds), you just can't help but smile. And who knows, maybe they are indeed telling us some fairy tale when they start cooing and babbling just before falling asleep, or they tell us about a nice dream they had when they wake up cooing and "talking" in the morning.

Do you have any interesting personal experiences regarding baby talk? If so, please tell us abou them!