In the 9 months since SJ has been home, she has become fluent in English. Within 1 month home, she could obviously understand what we were saying, within 2 months, she was conversing back and forth. Within 3 months, she was fluent. By fluent, I mean she was babbling to herself in English, talking quickly without thinking of words, and learning new concepts like the alphabet, colors and numbers. By 6 months, I didn't think or notice much about her English as it was second nature to her and the family.
Here we are at 9 months home and SJ is a talkbox! She talks constantly and asks what you are doing at each step. I think her inquisitive nature has helped her learn faster. Her great communication skills were present yesterday when I was writing our grocery list. SJ said, "Mommy, you making words on paper?" So since she did not know the word "write", she was still able to communicate effectively and learn a new word too. "Yes honey, I am writing on paper."
Cross-cultural adoption means the child will most likely be losing their native language and learning a new one. It is quite sad to think that she will not speak Hadiya, but the speed of her learning is a delight to watch. The difficulty of the first months fade away as your child's communication grows and the family bonds.
Baptism
9 years ago
2 comments:
It's amazing how quickly children can learn. Our learning curve certainly changes as we get older. It was so good to spend time with you guys on Saturday! Eva and SJ are starting to play together. so cute!
Read your blog from top to bottom....all the way through. I especially found your entrees helpful about SJ's development and your trip to Ethiopia. I hope that she is able to still see T. That was so cute! What a great idea calling mom so that the kids could talk. I'm so glad that you thought of that. It was also great to read about her progression of warming up to you when you went to Ethiopia. Gosh! Good stuff on your entrees. Thanks.....
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