My Alex started talking at about 5 months, but mostly it was gibberish when nobody was in the room. I agree that is it a confidence thing. I've moved since i've gotten him and he is so much more comfortable in the new house, I'm not sure why, but he is non-stop talking, or making noises. I have workers at my house during the day, and they say when i'm gone he practices talking. I still feel like he's shy to say a new phrase in front of me.
What I've noticed, is a lot of the time he picks up whatever I say to him when he's at his most happy. His go to word is "Hi!", because that's what i've said to him everyday when I get home from work since i've gotten him. He also makes an alarm sound when he hears me walk through the front door. I have no idea where he's gotten that from because we have no alarms. I've also noticed he's mimics the people he's bonded with the most, which is only me unfortunately.
Try seeing if you can have a daily ritual. Like when you walk in, say a certain, short easy phase, and give her a treat. Make it fun, and she'll associate those words with good things, and want to repeat them. That's what i've done on accident.
It's fun having a talking parrot. I'll do dishes and have him on my shoulder and we talk back and forth. Nothing deep and profound, but i think its another way we bond.
