Communication is crucial to everything we do. New Zealand has three official languages, English, Maori and NZ Sign language, but there are many other languages spoken in various ethnic groups. Visual arts, music and body language and gesture are also methods of communication.
A newborn’s communication is limited to crying but, by about three months, babies begin to babble. Over several months babbling extends to longer syllables and intonation.
The first use of words is triggered by the realisation that words are symbols. Language-related activities, including taking turns speaking and listening, stimulate vocabulary. Language practice is very important.
Reading books is a great way to spend time with your child. Starting points, titles of suitable picture books and ideas for discovering and sharing books can be found on www.storylines.org.nz
In a booklet produced by Storylines Children’s Literature Charitable Trust of New Zealand(childlitnz@storylines.org.nz) gives “ten reasons to read to your child”. These include:
- so parent and child can both enjoy the sound and rhythm of language, the taste of words and the way words join together to create magic through stories
- to continue age-old storytelling traditions
- to open doors to knowledge, as well as to fantasy
- to create memories that last a lifetime
- just because it’s fun!
Contact the IHC library for further ideas.
Email: librarian@ihc.org.nz
See related information for:
- Communication passports
- Communicating with your child
New Zealand Sign Language (NZLS) is the first or preferred language for many deaf New Zealanders. A concise dictionary of 2500 NZSL signs is available from offices of the Deaf Association of NZ. A booklet of 480 useful signs is also available. A useful website is www.nzslta.org.nz
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