Whats the difference between “speech” and “language”?
“Speech” is the physical movements of the lips, tongue, lungs and vocal cords to produce words. “Language” is the words-in-our-heads. We use language to express ourselves through speech, writing, singing or signing. We understand language when we listen, read or watch someone sign. 2. How do babies develop speech? First, of course, babies need to hear accurately to begin to learn to speak. In addition to normal hearing, learning to speak requires coordinated movement of the lungs, vocal cords, lips, tongue and “soft palate.” (The soft palate is an area at the back of the throat which moves up and down to either close off or open the nasal passages.) Babies begin practicing the movements required for speaking even before they are born. After birth, speech development is expected to occur in a particular sequence. First, babies “coo” using vowel sounds, gurgles and squeals: “ooo,” “ah” “eeeee!” Then they combine vowels with consonants (“ma” “ba” “da”) and a little later they begin “babbl
