Over here we've got "UP!" accompanied by arms up in the air and an expectant look.
No "mummy" or "dadda/daddy" but there is the usual mumumum, dadada, tata (with bye bye wave) and plain old ta to indicate she wants something she's pointing at. She does a very cute mmmmm! when food comes out. Also tries to say pet names. Puh-puh for our cat Asper and apparently she's said SIL's dog's name, Axle, but this has never been repeated.
The minimums according to my "blue book" are 5 words at 18 months and at least 20 words but usually 50+ by the age of 2, with some two-word utterances.
DS didn't have 5 words at 18 months but he has 50 words now, just before his 2 year old check (much to my relief, the MCHN got a bit bent out of shape at the 18 month check). This is below average, but still within the expected bracket.
At 22 months, in the space of 3 weeks, he suddenly started coming out with words (the so-called "word spurt" many kids have before they turn 2). And interestingly enough it wasn't every day words like cup, milk etc...quite funny! We get a new word every couple of days now. It just happened overnight.
Just keep doing what you are doing. Emphasise key words, this helps them learn.
Also, they understand WAY more than they can say. If you thought that your child couldn't understand you, then you would have cause to worry. By emphasising key words, it encourages them to repeat. Even though they can understand what you say, they haven't got the ability to repeat it back to you yet, so if you can sometimes break instructions/directions down to one or two words, this will also help.
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