What counts as “words”? Language development 15 months

[PlantMum89]

My 15 month old boy seems to have new “words” every week but I’m wondering what counts as words? DH and I clearly understand what he’s trying to say but I think it probably sounds like babble to other people.

e.g
dar = star
buh = ball
kirckle = circle
duh = duck or dog (you guess which based on context and the animal noise that follows 😂)
tah = water
elp = help
daaaawn = down
apuh = apple
puh = pear

etc etc

Would these sounds count as words or is it still the step before words?

They would count as words of he is consistently using the same version each time and in different contexts i.e. Saying "duh" when he sees a dog in a book, sees a dog in the park, cuddles a dog teddy. Also if he is saying it independently, without copying you.
Things like animal noises also count as words, exclamations such as "uh-oh", "oops", and sound words "crash", "splash".
Don't worry about how clear the pronunciation is u til he is much older. He will gradually get more clearer and easier to understand.

Yes! These are words, because they have meaning and are uttered in a spirit of communication. I'm sure he gets loads and loads of joy from speaking them and being understood by you. Precious times. Pronunciation doesn't matter.

@Raggeo Yes he says them in different contexts, e.g real life, books, with toys etc ☺️

@GoodOldEmmaNess He really does love using his words! He’s always so proud of himself when he learns a new one and we get excited by it 🥰