There may be 6,000 ways to say I love you, but I’d settle for one.
There are 6,000 languages of the world. The Hurricane speaks two of them. In theory. Of course, in reality, he speaks none of them. At least for 22.5 months he’s basically spoken none of them.
But who’s counting?
Oh yeah, that's right, I am. I'm counting back to two years ago right at this time when I was very pregnant and watching my niece like I was cramming for the test. Our baby was coming any minute, and I needed to learn overnight what kids did, ate, pooped, and said. Two years ago, she was exactly the Hurricane's current age, and she said a heck of a lot. In fact, she talked more than I do ever, even on my most talkative day.
And now two years later, it seems the Hurricane is a fantastic candidate for mime school. In other words, he thinks talking is for losers.
Oh sure he sometimes says a random “more” or “mine” or “no”, but by and large he’s not talking. And he’s definitely not doing anything of the sort on cue. For instance, if I ask a question (that he totally knows the answer to) in front of any breathing person, something easy like let's say, “what’s a cow say?”, he looks at me incredulously like I’ve just signed KFed for a record deal.
The boy doesn't like the talking.
When I bring this up to our pediatrician, he usually says something in the vacinity of...not to worry, he's learning two languages at once, and kids who are learning two languages talk later.
Okay, I can roll with that. It's true the Hurricane does spend a lot of time with Spanish and English speakers, so okay, maybe we'll put mime school on hold. At least until he's three.
But then last week, I read "The Bilingual Edge" a book written by two Georgetown University linguistics professors on why, when and how to teach your child a second language. And these linguists say there are three major myths about second language learning:
(And leave a comment there to be entered to win your own copy of The Bilingual Edge.)
But who’s counting?
Oh yeah, that's right, I am. I'm counting back to two years ago right at this time when I was very pregnant and watching my niece like I was cramming for the test. Our baby was coming any minute, and I needed to learn overnight what kids did, ate, pooped, and said. Two years ago, she was exactly the Hurricane's current age, and she said a heck of a lot. In fact, she talked more than I do ever, even on my most talkative day.
And now two years later, it seems the Hurricane is a fantastic candidate for mime school. In other words, he thinks talking is for losers.
Oh sure he sometimes says a random “more” or “mine” or “no”, but by and large he’s not talking. And he’s definitely not doing anything of the sort on cue. For instance, if I ask a question (that he totally knows the answer to) in front of any breathing person, something easy like let's say, “what’s a cow say?”, he looks at me incredulously like I’ve just signed KFed for a record deal.
The boy doesn't like the talking.
When I bring this up to our pediatrician, he usually says something in the vacinity of...not to worry, he's learning two languages at once, and kids who are learning two languages talk later.
Okay, I can roll with that. It's true the Hurricane does spend a lot of time with Spanish and English speakers, so okay, maybe we'll put mime school on hold. At least until he's three.
But then last week, I read "The Bilingual Edge" a book written by two Georgetown University linguistics professors on why, when and how to teach your child a second language. And these linguists say there are three major myths about second language learning:
1. Only bilingual parents can raise bilingual childrenCrap. Number three blows my "just chill out" reasoning. So I kept reading. And I reviewed the book today on Cool Stuff con Queso. Check it.
2. Television, DVDs and ‘edutainment’ like bilingual talking toys are great ways for all children to learn second languages.
3. Exposing a child to two languages means that child will be a late talker.
(And leave a comment there to be entered to win your own copy of The Bilingual Edge.)
posted by Girl con Queso at 12:08 AM
8 Comments:
The 'Cane is super-smart. It is so evident. I can understand why it bothers you, but I know it's because he CHOOSES not to talk. On the flip side, a super-chatty boy might make you a bit batty!
hey dude, just so's you know, i pray for the hurricane and the speech issue daily. it was good to see you last weekend...
Hola! First, I don't need the book. But honestly, boys by nature speak late and little. And it never changes! He has a whole year to get the words out. He will. Next year at this time he will be eloquently arguing his case against using the potty. And that will work itself out too.
Love,
Your other mother
I'm with Super Zoe, I'm betting he chooses not to talk. You better get used to it, because I have one of these and they choose to do everything when they're damn well good and ready.
Oh, Kim, if you could see his face you would back me up! This kid has the smartest little eyes - he understands everything! And if you saw his face light up like the sun when either of his parents walk in the room...well, it's pretty awesome! His face says, "I love you" all the time!
Never compare oyur boy to a girl!!!! Especially at his age.
talking is sooooo 2006, GcQ. the hurricane is so hip. he's ahead of his time. :-)
Yes, boys talk later! My brother also grew up with two languages, he didn't begin talking until after 5 years old! and he earned his doctorate in engineering last month!
So, smart boys who speak a couple languages can definitely talk late :)
When I worked in intensive care nursery for premature babies, for some reason the boys needed a lot of medical help, and the girls healed and left home sooner! It was just a given... funny, isn't it?
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