Features of Child Directed Speech

Features of Child Directed Speech

1. expansion

   • prompting a child to speak more by giving them initial word sounds or teaching them a word

2. formulation

   • rephrasing what a child is saying to make it clearer and encourage development

3. exaggerated pauses

   • this encourages turn taking in conversations

4. fewer verbs and modifiers

   • makes it easier for the child to understand
   • also links to use of concrete nouns

5. yes/no questioning

   • makes understanding easier and prompts communication