Child Directed Speech

Child Directed Speech

1. A distinctive form of language use employed by adults when interacting with young children.

2. Halliday's & functions of language

   • Insrtrumental
     • To obtain goods and services - e.g. "I want"
   • Regulatory
     • To control behaviour of others - e.g. "Do this"
   • Interactional
     • To relate to others, to interact - e.g. "Me and you"
   • Personal
     • To express self - e.g. "Watch me"
   • Heuristic
     • To explore and gain knowledge of the environment - e.g. "What's That?"
   • Imaginative
     • To use language imaginatively, for example telling stories, jokes or creating an imaginary environment - e.g. "Let's pretend"
   • Informative
     • (Representational) To convey facts and information - e.g. "I've got something to tell you"

3. Features of CDS

   • Phonology
     • Slower, Clearer pronunciation.
     • More pauses, especially between phrases and sentences.
     • Higher pitch
     • Exaggerated intonation and stress
   • Lexis
     • Simpler, more restricted vocabulary
     • Diminutive forms (e.g. 'doggie')
     • Concrete language, referring to objects in the child's immediate environment.
   • Grammar
     • Simpler constructions
     • Frequent use of imperatives
     • High degree of repetition
     • Frequent questions
     • Use of personal names instead of pronouns (e.g. 'mummy' not 'I'

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