Baby Talk–Speaking My Language

 

 

 

 

There is a noise that has always been “music to my ears.” It is Baby Talk. I could be in the worst mood ever and all I have to do is hear a baby chattering away and the skies clear and the sun shines. I have always been fascinated with the little voices and what they are really saying.

 

Babies have a language all their own as do parents when speaking to their babies. Researchers have been studying that language for years, trying to determine what is being said. I am not that deep; I just love the light and lyrical tones to their voices. And I like how they repeat the babble pattern so you know they are trying to tell us something important.

 

Imagine having something you want to say but you lack the skill to get that message across to anyone. That is what social media can do for newcomers or those who do not understand how to maneuver through all the new concepts on Facebook or Twitter. This is fodder for my next blog, but for now, back to the babies.

 

I have spent a great deal of time with babies and they all have one thing in common. They know what they are saying even if we don’t. I have a very special 2 year old boy who is constantly having conversations with himself and he is very definite about what he is saying—it’s just that I am not so sure what he is saying and that is of no concern to him most of the time. He can walk around for hours talking away and you will occasionally hear the same phrase repeated so you know he has a thought he is sharing, I just cannot translate his chatter yet. But, that does not stop Joshie from chattering on.

 

Babies that are learning to make sounds and put consonants together, are trying to share too. Even newborns repeat patterns in their cries to try and communicate what their need may be.

Babies not only like the sound of their own voice, they want you to hear them too. If you watch them interact with other babies, they seem to understand each other even if those pesky adults do not. This video not only charmed us, it showed how these 2 little babies knew exactly what the other one was saying, as if speaking a foreign language. In fact, they were speaking a language they both understood quite well—baby talk.  Twin talk

 

 

When talking to your baby, there are some who believe it is hindering their development to use “Parentese” or “caretakerese.” These terms refer to a way of speaking to a baby where you lower your voice and project in a soft, comforting manner. There is an argument whether you should at least use real words or “coo” but from experience, both get the results you want—a child who listens and interacts with you. As the babies grow, changing the unintelligible words with real complete words is good for your baby to learn language but newborns are reacting to “how” you say those words, not the words themselves. If any of you have seen “3 Men and a Baby” there is a scene where Tom Selleck is reading to Mary from Sports Illustrated because he has discovered it is not what you are reading, it is the soft tone you use that the baby responds to.

 

Baby talk or Parentese is much more effective in getting an infant’s attention. There have been numerous studies showing that babies prefer this type of speech pattern because it aides in the emotional bond between parent and infant. Because of this bond and feeling of security and comfort, a baby is more likely to learn language skills.

 

Baby talk actually helps babies pick up words faster than if you did not use it. One of the reasons may be because the parents use this infant language directed right at their babies in a slower and more repetitive soft tone making it easier for the baby to identify themselves as the object of those words and to follow that pattern of speech.

 

Listen to your baby when they first begin to talk. Their voice is rhythmicand almost lyrical—like singing a song. They pattern what they hear and if you use a soft voice, they will mimic that back. It is very comforting for them. Of course, they will increase their volume as they learn more speech patterns and have more to say. But, starting out, they are little songbirds who are music to my ears. I love their melody and the songs they sing, they are truly uplifting and amazing.

 

 

"I have dedicated my life to the care and welfare of children. I feel privileged to share what I have learned with you. I am also committed to continuously learning.  I will keep informed of the latest information in parenting children from newborns to teens and pass it on to all of you.”   I will also use that same passion to help you create a dynasty generate increases in your business with straightforward and specialized media managing skills that guarantee your connection and scope will grow. Keep up to date reading our posts and discover valuable insights that can make parenting and succeeding in the business of the blogger– the most exciting adventure. (Debbie Twomey)