Mom Thinks Toddler Is Speaking 'Bizarre' Language—Then She Reveals Truth

Newsweek

a day ago

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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When babies begin to speak, it is an exciting time for the whole family. But one baby started speaking fluently in a language her mother could only describe as "bizarre."
With no idea where 1-year-old Serenity had learned the gobbledygook, Mary Sanford from Melbourne, Australia, assumed it was "just a funny phase or part of her development," as noted in the text layered over the TikTok clip (@marysanford_). The video of Isabelle making the same noises while eating, watching TV, and lying in bed has racked up over 856,000 views since it was posted on August 1.
Then the penny dropped when Sanford turned on her gaming device to play Animal Crossing, a social simulation video game where all of the characters speak just like Serenity.
"It's her second language now," her 28-year-old mom told Newsweek. "It's safe to say this is officially her thing."
Two screenshots from the viral video showing a close-up of Isabelle's face; and the 1-year-old eating.
Two screenshots from the viral video showing a close-up of Isabelle's face; and the 1-year-old eating.
TikTok/@marysanford_
"I guess we finally cracked Nintendo's secret to the villager voices … THEY USE BABIES," concludes the on-screen text.
Sanford told Newsweek: "At first, I thought she was just making random baby sounds; the usual adorable nonsense babies blurt out. I assumed it was her way of experimenting with different sounds as part of her learning and development.
"But then these noises started happening again and again, and something about them felt strangely familiar. It wasn't until later that I realized she was perfectly mimicking the Animal Crossing villager voices!
"When it finally clicked, I couldn't stop laughing," Sanford added.
Indeed, babies learn words by connecting sounds with visuals. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association encourages parents to read books filled with colorful, large pictures to babies. The ASHA experts suggest asking your child, "What's this?" and encouraging them to point to or name objects.
Birth to 2 Years: Encouraging Early Communication
The following tips are provided by the ASHA:
Imitate and Respond to Sounds—engage your baby in early conversations by repeating sounds like "ma," "da," or "ba," and encouraging them to mimic you. Responding with enthusiasm helps babies connect sounds with interaction. Use Daily Routines to Talk—narrate everyday tasks such as feeding or bathing. Say things like, "Now we're putting on your socks," to build your baby's understanding of language in real contexts. Facial Expressions and Gesture—mirror your baby's facial expressions or gestures, and use your own—such as clapping or waving—to reinforce meaning and encourage interactions. Introduce Animal Sounds—describe animal sounds to help your baby link noises to the correct animals. For example, say, "The dog goes woof-woof," to build understanding through repetition and association.
TikTok Reacts
From left: Screenshots from the end of the clip showing Isabelle smile as she watches the game.
From left: Screenshots from the end of the clip showing Isabelle smile as she watches the game.
TikTok/@marysanford_
So far, the video has garnered over 143,000 likes and more than 360 comments.
"I was going to say it sounds just like Animal Crossing," said one comment with over 26,000 likes at the time of writing.
Another parent shared: "My youngest, when she started speaking, was making no sense to us—until we worked out she was speaking Spanish because of Dora the Explorer!"
A third user commented: "So cute! I teach developmental psychology and can confirm that the fact she's mimicking, moving her mouth in a controlled way, and copying sounds is all good developmentally. 10/10 parenting—she looks so happy!"