Did you know an infant’s brain starts learning language long before they start speaking ?
Language learning begins long before a child says their first word.
When a baby coos, babbles, smiles, looks towards you, or makes a sound, they are essentially making a “serve.”
When you respond by talking back, making eye contact, imitating their sound, or following what they are looking at, you create a “return.”
This repeated back-and-forth is called serve and return, and it gives the developing brain important practice in attention, listening, turn-taking, and communication.
From a neurological perspective, these everyday interactions are valuable because language develops through repeated experiences and strengthening connections between brain networks involved in hearing, understanding, attention, and eventually speech.
When your baby makes a sound, respond. When they look at something, name it. These small moments give the brain repeated opportunities to learn the foundations of communication.
Worried about your child’s speech or language development?
If you have concerns about your child’s communication skills, early guidance can make a difference. Contact a Speech Therapist in Dubai for professional assessment and support.