Which behavior could indicate that a baby is learning language through gestures?

The option indicating that a baby is learning language through gestures is pointing. Pointing is a significant developmental milestone in language acquisition, as it involves non-verbal communication and the ability to direct attention to objects or events. When a baby points, they are not only expressing their desires or interests but also beginning to understand the concept of referencing things outside themselves, which is a crucial component of language development.

Pointing often precedes verbal communication and serves as a bridge between gestures and spoken language. This behavior demonstrates that the infant is not just passively receiving language but is actively engaging with their environment and using gestures to communicate. They are using their body language to convey messages and interact with caregivers, which is foundational to developing more complex language skills later on.

In contrast, speaking first words, cooing, and babbling are all verbal milestones that indicate progress in vocalization and the ability to produce sounds. While these behaviors are important for overall language development, they do not specifically reflect the use of gestures in learning language. Pointing uniquely signifies an understanding of communication that goes beyond mere sound production.