The excerpt from Amy Tan's "The Bonesetter's Daughter" reflects on the origins of language and the profound connection between a mother and her child. The author suggests that the first word could have been "ma," a sound made by infants when they crave their mother. This primal communication represents not only a baby's need but also the foundation of language itself, stemming from a deep bond formed even before words are fully understood.

The passage highlights the pivotal role that mothers play in language development. As the baby learns to articulate sounds and meanings, the mother becomes the source of knowledge and reassurance, teaching essential concepts about the world around them. This dynamic signifies that mothers are central to the beginnings of life and communication, establishing a lifelong influence on their children as they grow and explore their surroundings.