Some might say that toddler-speak is a strange language.
Personally, I think that the English language they are trying so hard to learn is even stranger.
Reading one of Abbey's favourite stories to her recently, I was faced with these two examples of how difficult it is to learn this language of ours:
1. The line "she soared like the music of the wind" prompted Abbey to point to her ear and say, "Sore! Sore!" (she had inflamed ears a while ago and still likes to tell me how sore they were). How confusing - the one word for two meanings.
2. Another line: "she leapt with the lyrebirds", prompting Abbey to stand up. I knew she didn't really know what 'leapt' means, so I was curious about what she would do at this point. She began marching. 'Leapt, right. Leapt, right' she said, smiling at me, obviously very proud at having put this line into context.
How on earth does one teach this crazy language to a child? It's very, very confusing - and I'm sure it becomes even more so as they begin reading and writing themselves.
And for me, someone who loves writing - hearing these little wordplays, these uses of words that an adult just wouldn't think of, is priceless.
Megan
Yep, I agree! Very strange and confusing. It's much easier to learn Japanese, which is very structured and ordered and has definite rules for grammar!
ReplyDeleteLOL love the 'leapt, right'!! Very logical in a toddler way :-)
ReplyDeletexo
It blows my mind, too!
ReplyDeleteLeapt, right...I love it.
I spent years trying to teach little kids how to read and write...English is a crazy language alright!! :)
So funny!
ReplyDeleteWe're at that stage when the 8yo is explaining to the 6yo and 3yo meanings of words. (The 6yo used the word, 'attracted' incorrectly, and the 8yo said, "Attracted means that you can't help but be drawn to it." I thought that was a very good explanation!) It sometimes amazes me that the 8yo can do so, because there is just so much to learn! But their little sponges.
And for sure: the English language is difficult and confusing at times!
Language also astounds me - watching how children make connections is priceless. When we lived in China, it was astounding how fast our kids picked up the lingo - almost like it was part of them - and alas, how quickly they forgot it. Abbey is such a clever poppet. Methinks she's going to be a writer. :)
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