May 12, 2026
The Functions of Communication
“Mom, Why So Many Questions?”
One of my moms commented last week that her son, who is almost 2 years old, was not imitating or talking more. He uses 45+ words but prefers “What dat?” or prefers to answer a question with just “dat” when given a choice. What I observed was she was turning everything into a question and using the common phrase, “Can you say…?” I talked to her about the reasons why we communicate and the different functions. Throughout our day we ask and answer questions, but we also comment, call attention, label, request, and use social greetings. Typically we use three to four comments to one question during social interactions with others.
I suggested we try commenting and not ask questions to our little friend while looking at a book. Comments invite spontaneous communication. All of sudden, he was commenting with a single word and relating the story to his own life by bringing 3D items from the story – making connections between the 2D pictures and his 3D experience. I asked his mom what she thought about commenting with no questions and she said it was hard. I agreed as I also found myself wanting to ask too many questions.
Fast forward a week using this technique and my little friend is now making word combinations “Hello Mama!” “Hello Dada!” “More that!” and imitating an interesting word combination at “cheese ball.” His mom also shared that commenting took the pressure off both her and my little friend. A win win! I can’t wait to hear about his progress next week.
Give it a try in your interactions with the communicative partners in your life this week.