A Failure to Communicate

My daughter is starting to learn words, and she's quite proud of her linguistic achievements. She squeals "DOG-gie" with delight as she chases a dog around the room; she proclaims "BAY-bee" when asked if there's a baby present; she answers "no!" to every question because she has figured out that this particular syllable, paired with an enthusiastic head shake, communicates something--even if she's not quite sure what. She's thrilled to be able to communicate, finally, with her adult counterparts...and for our part, we are delighted to hear her finally utter sounds we recognize.

The process doesn't always go so smoothly, however. Sometimes she tries to communicate something using a string of nonsensical syllables and sounds...only to have us look at her quizzically and respond with an enthusiastic "You don't say!" But baby wasn't born yesterday (not quite)...she's not fooled, and her frustration is palpable.

I've tried to imagine this scenario from her point of view. What if I were in a foreign country where nobody spoke my language or understood me? And, to make the situation more dire, what if I were largely dependent on others to meet all my needs? I envision a scene like this, between me and my foreign-exchange host:

Me: Excuse me, but I'm quite hungry. Can you strap me into a chair, choose something that you think I might like, and then stare at me while I eat it?
Host: Awww..You look hungry. Do you want something yummy and delicious?
Me: Well, yes, I'd prefer that to disgusting and inedible. Watcha got?
Host: Ooh, here's a treat! Bread with a side of peas!
Me (indignant): Be prepared for me to throw it on the floor, lady...

Or, perhaps a scene on a foreign street:

Me (running up to a stranger): Help! My house is on fire!
Stranger: Well, aren't you cute! What are you saying, dear?
Me: I SAID MY HOUSE IS ON FIRE!
Stranger: You don't say!
Me: What's wrong with you? Send for help! Call 9-1-1! Do something!
Stranger (patting my head): That's right! Good for you!
Me (Grabbing the stranger's collar and pulling it desperately): FLAMES! COMPLETE AND UTTER DEVASTATION! HELL ON EARTH!
Stranger: Are you hungry? Do you want some yummy food? Yum-Yum-YUM?!
I depart, preparing to hurl myself into the flaming embers.

Yes, when you envision things from this perspective, it's not a pretty sight. The frustration is understandable. But it's not all bad. On the flip-side, you have this happier encounter:

Baby: GAW BAW DEE DOP. (Translation: I made a big poop.)
Mommy: You don't say! Good job, baby!
Baby: AAH DEE BOP BOH. (Translation: I like throwing things on the floor.)
Mommy: Really? That's fascinating, honey. Way to go!
Baby: GOO GAA BAA MA MA. (Translation: I love you, Mommy.)
Mommy: I love you too, baby. (Because some sentiments are understood between Mommy and Baby in any language.)

I know it's a start, and the rest will come in its own time (and when she's 16 the dialog won't be quite so adorable). Until then, I'll continue to respond to her attempts at communication with praises, kisses, and cuddles...for the same reason she says "no" to everything. Because I can.