Yep, I agree that talking is really individual. Some kids talk alot from a young age and some take things in but don't talk til later. My DD says lots of things at 14mths- mummy, daddy, bubba, no, yes, this, thanks, fish, bath....., but my friends little one says basic words muma, dada, baba at 16mths. I think 18mths is a good age to use as a point of reference. If you DD isn't vocalising by then, then I would talk to your gp. But even making noises is a way for babies to talk.