Learning to Talk - for 1 - 2 Years Old

Language is a tool for communicating ideas and emotions, thinking and learning, It plays an important role in a child's cognitive, emotional and social development.

How Do Children Acquire Language?

When Do Children Learn to Talk?

Before a child says her first word, she is already communicating her needs through crying, vocalization, facial and bodily expressions timing of language development, especially the age at which a child begins to talk, varies among children.

Below is a brief general description of the progress of language development for children from 6 months to 2 years. More details can be found in the Child Development leaflet series.

Approx. Age	Comprehension	Expression
6-9 months	Respond to calling of their names	Babble consonants like "ba", "da", "ka"
9-12 months	Respond to familiar words with gestures cues, e.g. wave "bye bye"	Vocalize strings of syllables or say a few meaningful words like "mama", "dada"
1-1 1/2 years	Understand more daily words and phrases e.g. "no", "give mummy", "sit down" with gradual withdrawal of gesture cues Recognize names of familiar people and objects	Use single words, most are nouns e.g. "baby", "dolly"; then a few verbs appear e.g. "go", "jump
1 1/2 - 2 years	Follow simple instructions like "give me the ball" Point to body parts when asked. Recognize common pictures	Say more single words Start combining words e.g. "that's mine", "daddy gone"

How Do We Teach Children To Talk?

Before a child learns to express himself in speech, he has to understand words. Providing an environment rich in language is important. Knowing the proper ways to teach further facilitates your child's understanding and speech development.

1. Listen first, then talk
   Draw your child's attention by calling her name or patting her. Wait till she looks at you before you start talking to her. A quiet environment with minimal distractions also helps your child to be more attentive to what you say.
   

2. Talk clearly and lively
   Talk in a gentle and rhythmic voice to make speaking and listening experiences fun for your child. Talk slowly and clearly to your child to help him get what you mean.

3. Talk simply
   Talk in short and simple phrases according to your child's level of understanding. For example, say "give Mummy the cup" instead of "pass Mummy your cup and let me get you some juice". You may also add gesture to help him understand and to make your speech more fun e.g. holding out your hand for "give me"; sticking up your thumb for "good"; and patting on your chest for "me".
   
   
4. Be natural and at ease
   Let your child learn to talk naturally. Making him speak or act in front of people under pressure would only impede his intention to speak.
   

5. Follow your child's interest

• Choose play activities that are appropriate to your child's developmental level and appeal to his interest. Your child will then enjoy the activities more and have a better sense of mastery.
  
• Follow his interest and let him take the lead. If he likes to play with blocks, talk to him while he is playing with them like "Chris is building a tower", "Put one on top", "Wow! That's a train you've made."
  
• Play with your child when he is alert and in a good mood. As long as both of you enjoy the time together, the duration of time spent need not be long.
  

6. Make use of opportunities in everyday life

• You are the most suitable speech model for your child. Make use of daily situations to tell her the names and uses of things she comes in contact with. Encourage her to repeat your words without urging.
  
  • e.g. At bath time --
    Talk about body parts with her
    
  • Going to supermarket -
    Tell her the things you pick from the shelves
    
  • Reading with her --
    Describe pictures in books or tell her the story in simple terms
    
  • Going out --
    Talk about things you see on the way
    
• Tell her what you are doing to let her learn about actions. For instance, when you are washing dishes, you may say "Mummy's washing dishes" or when mopping the floor, say "Daddy's mopping the floor".
  
• Use questions to facilitate her verbal understanding and expressive ability. For example, when she is eating, you may ask her, "Is it yummy?" "Are you full?" or "What are you doing?" etc
  

7. Encourage him to talk
   

• Whenever your child is talking, listen to him patiently and try to understand what he says. Do not speak the words for him too readily or let his siblings interrupt what he is going to say.
• Encourage him to say what he wants in words. For example, when he points to cookies, tell him the name of the object he wants and encourage him to say "give", "cookie" or "eat".
  
• When your child has built up certain vocabulary, you may expand what he says in longer phrases e.g. when he can say "ball" and "kick", you can encourage him to say "kick ball" but with no urging
  

8. Respond to your child's attempt to talk

• Listen and respond immediately to your child's words or vocalization by nodding, smiling, repeating or expanding them.
  
• Praise her efforts even though she may not have pronounced the words correctly. Just say her words for her.
  
• Never imitate her mispronunciations or laugh at her.

9. Be positive and appreciative
   Always take a positive approach. If your child is not yet ready to talk, praise his effort of trying instead of shaming him.
   

10. Provide stimulating experiences outside home
    Taking her to the playground, joining other children's birthday parties, or going to nursery are good opportunities for her to mix with other children and have more chances to learn to talk.
    

* Source from Language Development, Pamphlet by Union of Hong Kong Therapists (Medical)

We have a series of childcare and parenting workshops and leaflets for expectant parents, parents of infants and preschool children. Please contact our healthcare personnel for information.