Understanding your child’s language development is an exciting and enriching journey. Each stage of language development is unique, and each child progresses at their own pace. From the very first days of life, your baby begins to interact with the world through sounds and gestures. This article explores the different phases of the beginning of language learning, allowing you to accompany your little one on this fascinating adventure.
The first interactions from birth
From birth, a baby communicates through cries and facial expressions. These first forms of non-verbal communication are essential. Your infant recognizes your voice and calms down when you speak to them. The moments spent together, whether during exchanges of glances or simple smiles, are fundamental to initiating this connection.
Vocalizations: a first step towards language
Between 0 and 3 months, your baby begins to make their first vocalizations. These sounds, often resembling “areuh,” mark a period of auditory exploration. Regular interactions, such as singing songs or describing the objects around them, stimulate this phase and encourage the emergence of verbal communication.
Babbling and sound experimentation

At around 6 months, another stage emerges with babbling. Repeated syllables like “bababa” or “mamama” reveal your child’s curiosity about sounds. From 9 months onward, some babies begin to utter intentional words, even if their understanding is not yet total. These moments are extraordinary as they show the awakening of linguistic comprehension.
The first words and verbal interaction
Generally, around 12 months, your little treasures utter their first words such as “mama” or “papa.” This connection with words represents a major milestone in their development. Your support, in the form of encouragement and repetition, will foster their desire to express themselves. Simple question exchanges will become enriching for your child.
Active learning in communication
By 18 months, your child’s vocabulary expands and they begin to combine several words. This period is marked by the use of simple sentences. Allowing your child time to express their thoughts and wishes will enhance their confidence and interest in language. Discussions about stories, board games, or even daily events are effective ways to enrich their vocabulary.
Understanding and social interaction from 2 to 3 years

Between 2 and 3 years, your child becomes capable of following more complex instructions and forming more structured sentences. They ask questions and show an interest in how the world around them works. Encouraging this desire to exchange and understand others greatly contributes to their social and language development.
Beyond 3 years, towards mastery of language
Then, between 3 and 6 years, your child’s linguistic skills continue to develop. They begin to understand and use longer and more complex sentences, demonstrating their progress toward a more complete mastery of language. This learning journey requires support, listening, and regular interaction for them to thrive fully.
As you navigate each stage of language development, you will notice how fundamental the link between verbal communication and daily interaction is. Every exchange, every smile, and every shared word work together to nurture this garden of words. Personally, I remember the first time my child said “mama” with clear intent. It was a magical moment, filled with love and pride. I knew that this simple word marked the beginning of a universe rich in thoughts, expressions, and discoveries. Witnessing this evolution is an incredible journey, made of small steps that lead to great advancements. As a parent, it is fascinating to witness how a child transforms indistinct sounds into a complex and expressive language, revealing their wonder at the world around them. Every word spoken is like a promise of future exchanges, shared adventures, and memories to build together.