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First words, which ones count as first words? mama, dada, or is it the proper ones like cat or dog?

18 replies

Dragonbutter · 16/11/2008 23:22

Here is DS2's list of words in the order he started saying them.
Which one is his first word?

Mummy
Dada
Oh-oh!
Tatchoo (thankyou)
Look
Dog
Choo choo

I say his first word is Dog
DH says his first word is Look

What would you say?

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ceciliaaherne · 16/11/2008 23:24

Mummy.

A first word is a first word!

Dragonbutter · 16/11/2008 23:35

really?

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blunt · 16/11/2008 23:36

Message deleted

Shitemum · 16/11/2008 23:38

I'd say 'tatchoo' was his first word, mummy and dada dont count as they are usually the first...
DD1s first word was 'shoes' DD2s was ....er...can't remember...

wrinklytum · 16/11/2008 23:38

Mummy.It came first!

I am still waiting for mummy.She has said daddy

Dragonbutter · 16/11/2008 23:40

the tatchoo is used very appropriately when he's given something, but just not pronounced properly.

But Dog is the first time he's pointed at an object and named it. That's why i think that should be his first word.

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wrinklytum · 16/11/2008 23:43

Oh I thought you meant "Mummy" was specifically aimed at you.Sorry.Well,maybe dog it isDS first word was Daddy.DD we are still waiting.We think it was cat but as she has severs speech delay we are a bit unsure!!!

Dragonbutter · 16/11/2008 23:47

mummy, started off as mama but is definitely a mummmeeeeeeeee and is definitely aimed at me and me only but that one sort of crept up on me so i didn't know it was a first word. i didn't really notice i feel i should be remembering these milestones but i don't know which word it should be.

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VeryHungryKatypillar · 17/11/2008 12:09

I would say that a word is distinct from a sound when it is used appropriately. So if Tatchoo is the first 'sound' used in an appropriate context, I would say that it was the first word (as you say, Mummy crept up on you in terms of being used in context).

What a polite child you have if "thank you" is his first word!

FattipuffsandThinnifers · 17/11/2008 16:43

I'd say anything that is used in proper context is an actual word regardless of pronunciation. If he's said 'mummy' or 'dada' in context (ie to you), or 'tatchoo' in response to being given something, I'd say that was a word.

It makes me laugh when people say their kids said 'mama' or 'dada' at 7 months old though. Erm, isn't that just babbling

Dragonbutter · 17/11/2008 18:04

yes, i'm cautious about the use of mama,dada and baba as first words.

i'm pleased if his first word is tatchoo, it is so sweet that he says it.

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Dragonbutter · 21/11/2008 23:38

so does the fact that we went to the aquarium and he pointed at every fish, shark, and turtle while shouting 'DOG!' mean that word is discounted even if he definitely uses it for actual dogs?

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thumbwitch · 21/11/2008 23:41
  • c'mon, at least they weren't stones! I would say it counts.
littleboyblue · 21/11/2008 23:42

Mummy was first word.
My ds said Dada at about 7months. He'd been saying it for a few days and he said it infront of my dad who got really excited and stupid and I said it didn't count as it wasn't actually a word and wasn't used in context, my dad told me it'd be a while before he connected the word dada with his dad, and I agree. So my ds's first word was dada at 7 months.

Dragonbutter · 21/11/2008 23:46

his latest seems to be 'downstairs'
that can't be right surely?

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littleboyblue · 21/11/2008 23:48

My ds thinks his soft ball is called kick it

Dragonbutter · 21/11/2008 23:49

that's cute littleboyblue

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littleboyblue · 21/11/2008 23:51

I definately think that at this stage while they're hearing and learning new words, it doesn't matter about how they are said. Full understanding takes years doesn't it?

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