Big - Language - Bang
An explosion of vocabulary is an accurate and appropriate image of how language develops in toddlers. So much of the language which is produced by young toddlers is misused or generalized, but a large amount of language and learning is happening in a short amount of time, these mistakes are encouraged.
In this process, my daughter made some amusing developments. I don't mean the, "I want a tweet!" Although adorable, those types of mispronunciations are a product of how sounds are heard and perceived by the child.
When Violet was young, maybe around one and a half, she was learning to say more and more words. She hadn't learned to verbalize, "thank you," yet because she knew the sign for it, so relied on that form of communication. As we started seeing more vocabulary development from her, she finally started saying her version of, "thank you."
"ma-moo"
(Both syllables were cut off, just as if you were to say thank you).
We let it go, with some of the issues she had, we let a lot slide (she is fine now, she has been seizure free for over two years, clean bill of health!). Every time she signed it, it was accompanied by her, "ma-moo." We were stricken, and giggled about it for a while, until it became so normal that we forgot to explain it to friends and family.
It eventually evolved into "maaaaaaaaaah." We aren't sure why; "ma-moo," had the same intonation as, "thank you," but her new version didn't sound anything like it.
She now says, "thank you," normally now, but this got me thinking. This evolution of language; particularly how technology has influenced this change so heavily, and how so many experts whine about how technology is changing language; and because spoken and written language are in order to communicate, and its effectiveness is rated by its users - I ask myself this question: Is there such thing as correct usage? If two parties are using language in an "incorrect" way, but are effectively communicating without an abnormal amount of misunderstandings, shouldn't we consider that correct for them? What does it matter if I say, or write, things differently, as long as my intended audience understands me without any hindrance?
Ma-moo for reading.
In this process, my daughter made some amusing developments. I don't mean the, "I want a tweet!" Although adorable, those types of mispronunciations are a product of how sounds are heard and perceived by the child.
When Violet was young, maybe around one and a half, she was learning to say more and more words. She hadn't learned to verbalize, "thank you," yet because she knew the sign for it, so relied on that form of communication. As we started seeing more vocabulary development from her, she finally started saying her version of, "thank you."
"ma-moo"
(Both syllables were cut off, just as if you were to say thank you).
We let it go, with some of the issues she had, we let a lot slide (she is fine now, she has been seizure free for over two years, clean bill of health!). Every time she signed it, it was accompanied by her, "ma-moo." We were stricken, and giggled about it for a while, until it became so normal that we forgot to explain it to friends and family.
It eventually evolved into "maaaaaaaaaah." We aren't sure why; "ma-moo," had the same intonation as, "thank you," but her new version didn't sound anything like it.
She now says, "thank you," normally now, but this got me thinking. This evolution of language; particularly how technology has influenced this change so heavily, and how so many experts whine about how technology is changing language; and because spoken and written language are in order to communicate, and its effectiveness is rated by its users - I ask myself this question: Is there such thing as correct usage? If two parties are using language in an "incorrect" way, but are effectively communicating without an abnormal amount of misunderstandings, shouldn't we consider that correct for them? What does it matter if I say, or write, things differently, as long as my intended audience understands me without any hindrance?
Ma-moo for reading.
I love the questions you pose at the end of your piece! I've wondered a lot about grammar and who sets the rules - I've also found myself grumbling about changes to certain pieces of grammar that I don't agree with changing.
ReplyDeleteHow did friends and family respond to "mah moo" when it wasn't explained?
Could you give some examples in the first paragraph that might help a person who does not have experience with toddlers understand a little better what you mean about "an explosion of vocabulary." I love that descriptor, but it definitely left me wondering what that means.
I liked this story, sort of like an homage to a developmental language stage your daughter was going through. I also like when parents document their children's idiosyncrasies.
ReplyDeleteWhat other words was she saying, when you mention "explosion of vocabulary"?
I also like Nerissa's comment about grammar and language. It makes me think of APA rules and how they change them every so often in their handbook, only to assure readership and customers that would buy the new edition every few years.
This is some great food for thought! My 21 month old's language has exploded lately, and while her words don't always sound "conventional", we (usually) know just what she's saying. She says "I ya" for "I love you" and it's the cutest thing. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDelete