"My understanding is speech is limited by the development of the palate. The child may well know what she is trying to communicate, in my opinion, she does, but hasn't developed the physical capability to enunciate the sounds correctly."

That's correct - research suggests babies know the meaning of 400-500 words before they say their first word, and can interpret subtle body language and facial expressions too. Amazing - who knows what is going on in her little brain. That said, I would have found it completely impossible to sit through that diatribe without laughing!