Meaning: The quote "It is the nurse that the child first hears, and her words that he will first attempt to imitate" by Quintilian, a Roman educator, captures the significant role that caregivers play in a child's early language development. Quintilian, a renowned rhetorician and educator of ancient Rome, lived during the 1st century AD and is best known for his work "Institutio Oratoria," a comprehensive guide to the education of an orator. In this quote, Quintilian emphasizes the influential role of the nurse or caregiver in shaping a child's language acquisition and early communication skills.

During early childhood, the nurse or primary caregiver often serves as the child's first point of contact with language. From the moment a child is born, they are immersed in a world of sounds, words, and expressions, and the caregiver's role is pivotal in facilitating the child's language development. The quote underscores the idea that the caregiver's words and interactions serve as the foundation for a child's linguistic abilities and communication skills.

Quintilian's insight aligns with modern research on language development, which highlights the critical importance of early interactions and language exposure in a child's cognitive and linguistic growth. Studies have shown that infants begin to absorb language from the moment they are born, and the quality and quantity of language input they receive significantly impact their language acquisition and communication abilities.

In the early years of life, children are remarkably attuned to the speech patterns and vocalizations of their caregivers. The quote by Quintilian underscores the idea that the nurse or caregiver's words are not only the first ones a child hears but also the ones they are most likely to imitate. This imitation forms the basis of language learning and lays the groundwork for the development of vocabulary, grammar, and speech fluency.

Furthermore, the quote reflects the broader societal recognition of the influential role of caregivers in a child's upbringing and education. In many cultures, caregivers are revered for their nurturing and instructional roles in shaping a child's development. Quintilian's emphasis on the nurse as the primary source of a child's early language exposure underscores the significance of these formative interactions in a child's linguistic and cognitive growth.

In conclusion, Quintilian's quote serves as a timeless reminder of the pivotal role that caregivers play in a child's early language development. It emphasizes the influential power of the nurse or primary caregiver in shaping a child's language acquisition and communication skills. This insight resonates with modern research on language development and underscores the enduring significance of early interactions and language exposure in a child's cognitive and linguistic growth. The quote by Quintilian continues to serve as a poignant reflection on the profound impact of caregivers in shaping the linguistic abilities and communication skills of young children.