Thursday, January 20, 2011

Translating Todd



Todd is still primarily saying one word at a time with the occasional 2-word phrase. The interesting expansion of his language is into verbs and words which express more than just object identification. For those interested in the progression of toddler language, here are some examples.

"doing" (usually with pointing)
You are doing something interesting or unusual and I need to see or participate in whatever it is that you are up to.

"some"
You are eating something that looks or smells good. I need some, too.

"heavy"
I need you to move this for me to a new, and probably less-convenient location.

"carry"
I require you to carry me at this time. Until I deem that you are allowed to put me down again.

"this"
I can't reach it, but I need this item that I'm pointing at. Please hand it to me now.
Or
What is this object? Is it this for me to play with?

"ketchup"
My food requires more tomato flavor. More ketchup, please.

"cut"
Please cut my food into smaller pieces, mommy.
Or
Please cut a piece of your pie/scone/sandwich/pizza for me.

"Talk! Talk! Talk!"
You are on the phone. Therefore I will describe what you are doing into the phone as loudly as possible.
Or
I need to talk on the phone, too, even though I have no idea who you are talking to.

{Vigorous Head Shaking}
I would rather have you spoon feed me yogurt than wear that bib you are holding.

"help" or "stuck"
I have climbed into/on top of/under something and I can't get out without your assistance.

"broke"
The toy I'm playing with isn't doing what I want it to do.
Or
My sister just broke or tore a toy/crayon/box/piece of paper.

"hat"
I want to watch Cat in the Hat.
Or
You have a hat on and I need one, too. (same for "coat")
Or
Where is Woody's/Jesse's hat?

"yee-ha"
I am playing with Jesse and that is what she says.

"boots"
I am playing with Woody and that is what he says.
(He can clearly identify Woody, Jesse and Buzz as well.)


2 comments:

DrBabyMamaDrama said...

Love that picture!

Life with Pog & FLeC said...

So cute to hear about Todd's language. They both look so grown up in that photo. WOW!