Have the child checked by a pediatrician to rule out any physical cause for the language delay. For instance, hearing loss might be a factor and should be dealt with as early as possible.
Engage the help of a professional speech therapist if the language deficit is a serious one. The child's doctor can make the referral. Most speech delays, however, can be improved with increased language stimulation provided by the parents.
Talk to the child constantly, especially whenever you are doing routine tasks together. Engage him in the conversation. For example, when putting on his shoes, you would first describe what you are doing, "Now your foot is going inside the shoe. Now we are putting the other shoe on the other_____." Give your child many opportunities to complete your simple sentences whenever possible.
Devote regular time throughout the day to sit with your child and "read' picture books together. Ask the child to point to familiar objects in the book. For example, "Show daddy the red ball. Point to the red ball. What color is the ball?" Use repetition to reinforce the name of objects.
Ask the child to name objects that she encounters throughout the day. Do not allow her to immediately get what she wants by simply pointing at the object. Always name the object and then ask the child to answer the question, "What is it?' before you hand it to her. Do not prolong the delay, however. It is not productive to frustrate a child.