Children learn best by imitating the people around them. In fact, early language development is based largely on imitation of gestures and sounds. Researchers have found that infants as young as six months old are able to imitate gestures, and that this early ability plays an important role in early language development. Gesture imitation helps babies learn how to communicate and understand the intentions of others, while also helping them to develop the early skills needed for spoken language. 

There are two important types of imitation that especially help to cultivate early language development: imitating hand and body gestures and imitating play routines.

Imitating body and hand gestures serve many purposes and are easily targeted through simple social routines. Examples of this include waving hello and goodbye, clapping to music, pointing to objects, or blowing kisses. This early skill can also be used to facilitate use of simple baby signs to communicate basic needs in the home or during play, such as requesting “more”, signing “please”, or asking to “eat” or “drink”.

Imitating play routines is another important skill used to promote early language development as well as social interactions between the child and other play partners. Simple and easily imitated play routines that can be modeled by an adult for a child include stacking blocks, “flying” or “driving” transport vehicles, or throwing a ball.

Gesture imitation plays an important role in early language development. As the caregiver, you can help your child learn new words and gestures by imitating them at home or out and about. By doing this, you are not only teaching your child new vocabulary, but also helping to strengthen their communication skills.