Supporting Your Baby's Language Development: Talking Games and Communication Methods

Your baby's ability to speak is directly related to the development of his language and communication skills. Each baby individually begins to speak at a different pace, so the expectation of speaking at a certain age cannot be determined exactly. Generally, however, babies begin to enter the speech process between 6 and 12 months of age.

Language development

In the first months, babies develop their language skills by listening to and trying to understand the sounds around them. During this time, babies can imitate their parents' speech, smile, and make certain sounds, such as babysitters. They often use non-linguistic methods for communication, such as crying and giggling.

At about 6 to 9 months old, babies begin to imitate simple words such as “mama” and “daddy.” During this period, interacting with your baby to repeat the sounds he hears is important to support his language skills. Naming objects, singing songs and telling stories can contribute to language development.

At 9 to 12 months of age, your baby may begin to speak words that he does not yet fully understand. For example, when you show something specific or it can use some repeated sounds or words to express something you want. During this period, trying to understand your baby's speech and responding to him with the right words helps him develop his language skills.

At 12 to 18 months, babies begin to expand their vocabulary and start using more understandable words and shorter sentences. They begin to better understand what they want to express and are able to follow complex instructions.

During this period, it is important to talk to your baby often, read books, sing songs and play games with him to support his language development. Naming objects and actions in daily routines can also be effective to encourage language skills.

Remember that every baby is individual and begins to speak at his own pace.

Some babies start talking at an early age, while others may start later. This is normal variability and is not cause for concern. If you are concerned about your baby's speech skills, talking to a child development specialist can provide you with more information and guidance.

At 18 to 24 months, babies expand their vocabulary further and can make sentences more complex. As their grammar and communication skills improve, they express themselves better. Around age two, some babies can tell short stories and name colors, numbers, and objects.

During this period, continue to be in active communication with your baby to support his speech abilities. Asking him questions, talking to him, playing language games and reading interactive stories play an important role in improving his language skills.

Children aged 2 to 3 often use more fluent and complex sentences. They begin to understand the information they hear and combine this information with their own experiences. Their vocabulary expands rapidly and their ability to express objects, events and emotions increases.

During this period, it is important to constantly talk to your child, read books and stories that match his interests, ask and answer questions to support his speaking skills. You can also strengthen her speaking skills by engaging in social interactions with her and giving her the opportunity to communicate with others.

Here are 10 game suggestions you can use to encourage babies to talk earlier:

1. Word Cards: You can teach your babies vocabulary by using cards with pictures of simple objects or animals. Show the cards, say their names, and encourage your baby to imitate you.
2. Songs and Colors: Singing and reading nursery rhymes with your baby can be effective in strengthening their language skills. Rhythmic songs and nursery rhymes help your baby understand language rhythm and stress.
3. Pretend Play with Toy Animals: By playing role-playing games with different toy animals, you can stimulate your baby's imagination and help him name different objects.
4. Object Recognition: Encourage your baby to recognize objects around him. For example, point to items in the house and say their names and have your baby imitate them.
5. Mirrored Books: You can attract your baby's attention by using colorful and interesting mirrored books. Mirrored pages can encourage your baby to say his name when he sees himself.
6. Name Games: Use your baby's name and the names of other family members often. Repeat names in simple sentences like “This is your doll friend Lily.”
7. Word Matching Games: You can play a simple game that will make your baby match words and objects. For example, show a buckle by saying “Buckle” and encourage your baby to say the word “buckle”.
8. Communicating: Try to communicate with your baby by making eye contact and facial expressions. Follow his smiles and reactions, repeating words or sounds along the way.
9. Content Books: Choose picture books appropriate for your baby's age and read along with them. Say their names by swiping over pictures or pointing to objects.
10. Sound Games: You can attract your baby's attention by making different sounds.

Your baby's speech initiation process is individual and may vary for different babies. To support your baby's language skills, it is important to be in constant communication with him, to provide him with the right models and to encourage his language development. If you have concerns, consulting with a professional can provide you with further guidance.