Wednesday, September 28, 2005

Any Questions?

When a 17-month-old answers a question, are they responding to the content, or to the questioning tone of voice? Does anybody know?

I think Raisin must really understand some of our more complicated questions. I mean, she's been responding to things like "Do you want more?" for months -- she recognizes the key word "more" at the end, and makes the corresponding sign. But recently she's started saying "yeah" when I ask "Did you have a good day?" "Are you ready to go to school?" "Do you need a clean diaper?"

But if I ask an unfamiliar question, she usually doesn't respond -- so she must be really listening to me, right? Of course right.

2 comments:

Jane said...

The Bear says "Yeah!" when you ask her if she wants snack. But that's the only question she will answer like that. On the other hand, we get this:

me: "Bear, are you ready to go now?"
Bear: "NO!"

So, yeah, I think they understand how to answer the questions they want... they're smarter than we think they are, maybe. Or not. Mine is plotting a takeover of the universe from her crib as I type.

Julie said...

Better let her take over the universe now. In a few months her new sibling will want their share, and then it's not nearly as much fun!