Proto-language

[mmcirvin]

I don't suppose it counts as a word, exactly, but I'm now convinced that when Jorie starts crying "mmmmmm! mmmmmmmmm! mmmmmum-mum-mum-mum!" it specifically means she wants her mommy. I've heard it claimed that something like "ma" is a word for mother in all sorts of seemingly unrelated languages. Though I haven't actually seen a statistical analysis demonstrating an above-chance effect, I wouldn't be terribly surprised if this were so.

I keep trying to get her to imitate me when I make different noises, but usually she just laughs at me instead.

Sam's taken her out tonight--a friend's offered to look after her through band practice--and it's strange having all this time to myself at home.

Comments

[antikythera.livejournal.com]

I'd always been told that's why the 'ma' syllable means 'mother' in so many languages -- because it's one of the first sounds babies can come up with on their own.

[ronebofh.livejournal.com]

I suspect you make lots of "mmmmm!" noises when you want Sam, too.

In Georgian

[vardissakheli.livejournal.com]

either because fathers are so egotistical or because mothers came up with the perfect scam for passing babies off on them when they cry, the words are reversed: "mama" is father and "deda" is mother.

[mezdeathhead.livejournal.com]

I remember reading somewhere that the best way to get babies to immitate you is to immitate them. Like it plants the idea in their head.

Either way, it helps to have complete strangers laugh at you. Which is usually a good thing.

[partiallyclips.livejournal.com]

It's such a simple syllable it wouldn't surprise me as all. Any vocal sound with mouth closed, then open mouth.