It is no secret that Jahan has shown a natural proficiency for picking up words and incorporating them into his language. It begins with mimicry, and then, by repetition and association on our part, becomes specific to particular objects or actions. New additions to his vocabulary include "arm" when getting dressed and "th'ow" (when he throws a ball).
Lately, however, perhaps in an attempt to converse with us more "fluently", Jahan appears to have adopted a number of his own "words", and constantly repeats them non-specifically. These words include "Nan-da", "Dom-ba", "Bum-bum", "Dam-pee" and "Ya-ya". After many failed attempts to understand with what he is associating these words, I can only conclude that he is simply discovering and exploiting his ability to create new sounds? What new wonders of vernacular await remains to be seen!
Posted by Dayan at June 17, 2004 07:32 PM