My DD doesn't so much talk but has understood what we have said since she was 9/10 months old. I would say "can you pass the remote to mummy" and she will seek it out and get it for me. I don't expect full sentences, but i know if i say "would you like a drink?" she can say yes or nod her head so when she whinges i encourage her to do it or she doesn't get it. We also encourage please and thank you and so far we have "tee dee dee" which is her "ta, thank you"