Here's what we know about baby communication:
1. Early Vocalizations:
- Cooing and gurgling: Starts around 2-3 months, showing that babies are exploring sounds.
- Babbling: Around 4-6 months, babies start repeating sounds and syllables like "baba" or "dada". This isn't just random noise – it's practicing the building blocks of language.
2. Non-Verbal Communication:
- Facial expressions: Babies use smiles, frowns, and other expressions to communicate emotions.
- Body language: They use gestures like pointing, reaching, and waving to get what they want.
- Crying: Different cries can signal hunger, pain, or discomfort.
3. Understanding Language:
- Babies are absorbing language from the moment they are born. They can recognize their mother's voice, differentiate between different languages, and even start to understand some words.
- By 12 months, most babies understand simple instructions and can respond to their name.
4. Baby Sign Language:
- Some parents teach their babies sign language to facilitate communication before they can speak. This can be helpful for babies who are frustrated by their inability to express themselves verbally.
In conclusion, babies don't have a "language" in the traditional sense, but they have a unique system of communication that combines sounds, facial expressions, body language, and understanding of spoken language. This system is crucial for their development and allows them to connect with their caregivers.