Speaking slowly and simplified vocabulary and grammatical structures makes language more accessible for a child. The comprehension of a language and the development of the ability to use it is therefore made easier. Understanding a word’s meaning is facilitated when an adult focuses the child’s attention on an object in the immediate environment and slowly repeats the name. The use of higher pitch and exaggerated intonation (as well as facial expressions and gestures) serve to retain a child’s attention to listen attentively to what is said. Asking questions and pausing for a also will help to introduce children to the rules of conversation. Problems with CDS It’s argued by some that baby talk (e.g. using expressions such as and ‘doggie’ interferes with language development because it provides children with inaccurate and distorted speech. 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 instead of pronouns (e.g. instead of ‘Mummy’ ‘I’) Pragmatics
Speaking slowly and simplified vocabulary and grammatical structures makes language more accessible for a child. The comprehension of a language and the development of the ability to use it is therefore made easier. Understanding a word’s meaning is facilitated when an adult focuses the child’s attention on an object in the immediate environment and slowly repeats the name. The use of higher pitch and exaggerated intonation (as well as facial expressions and gestures) serve to retain a child’s attention to listen attentively to what is said. Asking questions and pausing for a also will help to introduce children to the rules of conversation. Problems with CDS It’s argued by some that baby talk (e.g. using expressions such as ‘doggie’ and interferes with language development because it provides children with inaccurate and distorted speech. 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 instead of pronouns (e.g. ‘Mummy’ instead of ‘I’) Pragmatics
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