Do you think that kids say "um, um" because they hear it from their parents, or is it a natural part of speech?

Question

I ask this because I have a 4 yr. old nephew who can speak wonderful for his age, has a huge vocabulary, no speech impediments, but it seems the whole time he is talking to you, about every 3rd or 4th word, he will say "Will you 'um um' get me a drink? 'um um' I'm thirsty 'um um' and I can't find my 'um um' mommy" That is just an example. I haven't been around many young kids, and I was wondering if that is an attention thing, or just a learning thing, or maybe just the way he talks? I have heard some adults who have attention issues say "um" a lot, but I just want to know if that is something all kids do? My son is just learning to talk, and I'm not saying I want to prevent it, but should I expect it?

Answer 1

With very young children, it's not unusual for them to create gaps in their sentences with "um" or "uh." They are taking a moment assemble the sentence. They should grow out of it. For teens and adults, the "um" is all too frequently replaced with "ya know?" or "the fact is." These are also devices to buy time in formulating a sentence, but they become habitual crutches and make the speaker sound stupid. Some of that delay is in response to societal norms for quick responses and the discouragement of thought. Instead of using such devices, an individual will appear a lot smarter if they simply take of moment of silence and then speak. A bit of silence will most often cause the listener to focus on the words that follow and the speaker not only gets the attention of that person, but comes across as being intelligent.

Answer 2

"Um" is a filler word... it is there when you need to get your thoughts in line & are already speaking so you just "um" start to "um" say "um" LoL... I think kids are prone to say it cause they are always thinking at a million miles an hour & can't get the words out as fast & it all starts to jumble up in their brain... here comes the "um's", also when they are trying to talk for no reason... just talk talk talking away & haven't much to say... "um's" will come then as well cause they are searching for something to actually say. I am sure most kids will say "um" here & there (as do adults) just some more than others. When mine start I say "Stop uming" & they get what needs to be said out.

Answer 3

Kids mids are so active, while he's asking for that drink he's probably also thinking about what game he is going to play next, and what the dog did, and what mums doing. And the 'um um' is what he says while he's thinking it.

Answer 4

I think people sometimes need a moment to gather their thoughts and feel comfort by breaking an awkward silence. They don't necessarily learn from their parents... there is also TV, movies, other kids, teachers, etc.