Why are baby words repeated twice? Like “mama” and “dada”. Isn’t it easier for baby to go “ma” or “da”?

Question

Also, linguistically, why is repeating a word make it associated to baby talk? E.g. “No no”, “bye bye”.

In: 1

Answer 1

Repeating something is more likely to make you remember it. Saying a word twice will be more likely for you to learn it, and then try and use that info to make the sound back. Most language is learned like this. Easiest way to learn a new language is watch sesame street or some other shows for little kids, in the language you’re trying to learn. Use subtitles if you need to at first. You will be off the subtitles and we’ll on your way to being conversational rather than fluent fairly quickly.