Child-directed Speech

Child-directed Speech

1. Phonology and Prosody

   • Intonation is exaggerated, words are stressed more strongly, pitch is higher
   • Words and phrases are repeated, enforce understanding
   • Pace is much slower, lots of pauses

2. Lexis

   • Vocabulary is simplified
   • Caregivers use reduplication (Choo-choo, din-din) sounds appealing
   • Caregivers use diminutives / diminutive forms (doggie, fishy)
   • Many of the words refer to objects that the child can touch and interact with, teaches them about the world

3. Grammar

   • Sentence structures are simplified, and function words omitted, teaches primary sentence structure, easy
   • More proper nouns are used (frequent repetition of child's name) and there are lots more concrete nouns, teaches child about world
   • Present tense also used more to teach child about actions

4. Other techniques to encourage development

   • Repeat certain structures to reinforce understanding
   • Ask lots of questions, encourages child to respond (tag questions)
   • Use imperatives, engages the child
   • Expand on what child has said
   • Recast what the child has said, re-present information in a different way