Sureka blogged recently about Jeyanth's Mullalai (Tamil word for the speech of toddlers). She noted how his comprehension seems to have surpassed his ability to speak.
It seems to have come out of nowhere - two months ago, I was using simple, deliberate terms such as "up" and "yum-yum" and "ball" to indicate actions or processes such as mealtimes and playtime - echoing Jahan's own simple language and vocabulary. But now I suddenly find myself saying things to Jahan like: "don't put that in your mouth", "put your shorts on, we're going in the car-brrmm", "let's go upstairs - nappy time", "give Mummy that book" and "where is your bottle?" - all of which he clearly understands. (The cute bit is watching him try to get his shorts on:-).
Of course Jahan's own vocabulary is now so considerable that I've lost track of how many words he says. Every day he picks up something new either at Day Care or at Grandma's. Even bits of a new song, a new dance or a new rhyme.
This is currently Jahan's favourite rhyme. He can only say a few of the words, but he can do all the actions:
"Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear turn around; Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear touch the ground. Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear peek-a-boo, Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear now skidoo! Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear dance on your toes, Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear where's your nose? Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear wiggle your ears, Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear dry your tears. Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear blow out the light, Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear say goodnight".
Posted by Dayan at September 28, 2004 09:58 PM