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Thoughts on language
Most of Oswin's early words seem to fall into what I call a 'social' category.
This might be because those are the ones I'm noticing - because they're very easy to spot in context -or it may be the ones she prefers.
This actually raises a lot of interesting questions about the way we learn language and how we use it.
What do I mean by 'social'?
Phrases like "Thank you", "Bless you", "Here you are" (when giving you something), and "No, no, no, that one," (when trying to spot the correct picture in a puzzle book) are all social interaction, but are not directly asking for anything.
Words like 'milk' are starting to appear, but she already knew to ask for milk by pointing at the fridge. I don't think of these as 'social'. They serve a specific purpose - that of getting a wanted item.
There are all sorts of reasons why she may have social words first, so I'll just toss in a few random thoughts and those who work with kids or have grandchildren/children of their own may toss in any contributions they feel like.
1. Social interaction is what makes us human. The ability to form social connections may be just as important as the ability to gain food.
(She's got an army of slaves who are good at guessing what she wants. Keeping the slaves happy is important.)
2. Her family babble a lot of social nonsense at her and she's just imitating what she hears most of. (We're all social animals and we copy one another)
3. Genetic variation. Some people are better socialisers than others. She's maybe going to grow up as a real people person (She's very good at charming staff in shops, though I suspect most toddlers have this skill.)
This might be because those are the ones I'm noticing - because they're very easy to spot in context -or it may be the ones she prefers.
This actually raises a lot of interesting questions about the way we learn language and how we use it.
What do I mean by 'social'?
Phrases like "Thank you", "Bless you", "Here you are" (when giving you something), and "No, no, no, that one," (when trying to spot the correct picture in a puzzle book) are all social interaction, but are not directly asking for anything.
Words like 'milk' are starting to appear, but she already knew to ask for milk by pointing at the fridge. I don't think of these as 'social'. They serve a specific purpose - that of getting a wanted item.
There are all sorts of reasons why she may have social words first, so I'll just toss in a few random thoughts and those who work with kids or have grandchildren/children of their own may toss in any contributions they feel like.
1. Social interaction is what makes us human. The ability to form social connections may be just as important as the ability to gain food.
(She's got an army of slaves who are good at guessing what she wants. Keeping the slaves happy is important.)
2. Her family babble a lot of social nonsense at her and she's just imitating what she hears most of. (We're all social animals and we copy one another)
3. Genetic variation. Some people are better socialisers than others. She's maybe going to grow up as a real people person (She's very good at charming staff in shops, though I suspect most toddlers have this skill.)
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I come from a town and my parents were intellectuals. My husband lived in a village in a ... plain?(no offence intended!) family. My children grew up influenced by both and I can remember how terrible it was sometimes for me to put up with certain words that kept coming from that side...
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I come from a town and my parents were intellectuals. My husband lived in a village in a ... plain?(no offence intended!) family. My children grew up influenced by both and I can remember how terrible it was sometimes for me to put up with certain words that kept coming from that side...
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I have to laugh at the thought you hearing them use words you'd rather they didn't say.
Incidentally, LJ has been really good for your colloquial English. I wonder if you realise just how much you've improved over the last few years.
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Oh yes, I am well aware of that! I will never forget that memorable day you invited me here. Since then, LJ friends have been my best tutors. I think my writing has improved as well as the range of my vocabulary and I became more confident. You are my best teacher of English! Alas, my listening comprehension is not improving...I do watch the films but otherwise I have little chance to work on my listening. As well as speaking. But believe me, I am one happy Czech old girl here!!!
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My son had scribble talk until quite late [with big sister acting as interpreter]. He'd got Mum and Dad sorted, then tractor. He used to bounce up and down in his pushchair calling out Dacda! Dacda! about as loud as his little lungs would allow plus pointing at the vehicle in question.
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"Dacda!" Love it. I have a great mental image of him.