Language Development Of A Child

3 min read

Written by Editorial Team

Editorial Team

With a rich experience in pregnancy and parenting, our team of experts create insightful, well-curated, and easy-to-read content for our to-be-parents and parents at all stages of parenting..

A Baby coos and makes noises during the first few months, trying to respond to conversations

One of the major developing phase of a baby’s life is absorbing language and developing communication skills. Even as a new born, they are able to give you the idea of their needs and wants. Initially obviously it’s the cry, but as they grow, they absorb the pattern of words and actions to understand the environment. It is even said that the more you talk to your baby, the stronger vocabulary and IQ level the baby will develop. Once the baby is born, he is not at all familiar with the language, but he gradually understands and absorbs the language used around him. Their mode of communication is cry during early days.

By 3 Months- The baby develops his own language which is usually coo-ing, babbling to himself. You will even notice that the baby is observing your lip movements while you are talking, this is because he is trying to absorb the words. He is in the process of observing every sound around him. He will understand the feelings of anger, love or affection. He will even make gurgling sounds in order to start conversation, make sure you respond to them as it will give him the motivation to adapt and learn words. The gurgles that he makes is like a practice sound session which will help him to speak in future.

By 6 or 7 months– Babies speak words like ‘ba’ ‘da’ ‘ma’ etc which are easily pronounced. They even respond to their names when called. They now can differentiate between strangers and familiar faces. They try to respond to your talks by speaking their own language. They even use hand gesture for communication like raising both their hands if they want to be picked or dropping stuff if they don’t want it anymore. They will make different sounds and will try to gain your attention with the new sounds that they discover. Try to respond to their conversation and motivate them to speak new words.

By 8 to 12 months- You will notice many more visible changes. Baby will actually understand certain basic words like no, hello and would speak words like dada mama. They would also understand or respond to requests. This is the stage when they will be exploring objects. The more you let them explore the surrounding the more they will grasp in their tiny brains

After 12 months– The baby will start speaking up more words and will imitate your words. He will be familiar with people and objects and will point towards them if you ask for it. They will not speak up every word clearly and correctly but will make efforts to absorb the words and speak out. Therefore, its important for the parents to converse with their child so that they imitate more words.

By The Age of 2– The baby starts speaking up short sentences like “me food” or” bye bye” or “me go” and will understand your commands too. He will even react to the things you ask him to do. If you say them “give it to mamma” or “come here”, they will carry out those commands as they have started understanding language and communication. They are curious to learn new words and explore new objects.

By age of 3- Try to use new words in front of them as it will help in building strong vocabulary. Read out stories to them and teach them new words and meanings. The more they are introduced to new words, the more will they learn and develop better communication skill.

Ever since the baby is born, try to converse with them even if he does not respond actively. By talking to him, you will aid to develop the grasping skills which will benefit him in the process of communication. Respond to the baby’s efforts of talking and avoid using slang or abusive language in front of him – he is grasping everything you say.

Editorial Team,

With a rich experience in pregnancy and parenting, our team of experts create insightful, well-curated, and easy-to-read content for our to-be-parents and parents at all stages of parenting.Read more.

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