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Comment by gnicholas | Hacker News Reader

I wonder how this squares with the research on cultures where parents scarcely talk to babies, and they turn out fine? [1]

1: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/parents-in-a-remo...

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The article notes that the babies are with their mothers most of the time, so they're probably exposed to plenty of language even if it not specifically aimed at them.

Oh sure, but they're presumably not using sing-song baby language, or perhaps singing songs all that much.

Im in the midst of reading Pinkers the Language Instinct and the basic thesis is that language is innate. Preventing language would be like preventing eating.

The sing-song thing is cultural but powerful. It’s hard (for me) to not default to it with my one year old.

Edit: LOL I clearly commented before reading the article.

We know of cases where, due to living early years in isolation, a human being was prevented from learning full-fledged language, e.g. Genie.[0]

[0] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genie_(feral_child)

Who says that sing-songy language is necessary? Kids actually crave being taken seriously like adults and teachers who do that are often well liked!

My actual question is … how to develop good humor and playfulness in kids? Some people grow up with somewhat stunted senses of humor it seems. Is there something one can do? Research?

Difference between toddlers and kids.

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