The way how children acquire language is still not clearly and satisfactory answered. Various theses have emerged since researchers have been started getting interested in how children acquire language. In the following context the language development which children run through is closer illuminated while a particular emphasis is put on the possible interdependence between language acquisition -thelanguage output-and the linguistic environment children are exposed to -thelanguage input.Probably everyone has once noticed that very commonly adults change their way of speaking when conversing to young children. Among linguists this phenomenon is known asmothereseand reason for several different hypothesis about how children acquire language. On the surface one might wonder what could be the sense of that speech adaptation. One could assume that it is just a process that naturally belongs to upbringing and teaching of children.
But this seems not to sufficiently answer the question how children acquire language. As there are more aspects which are involved in language acquisition this essay is restricted tomothereseand its possible connection with language acquisition.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Language Acquisition
- Prelinguistical Phase
- The Phonological Development
- Motherese
- Definition
- The absence of motherese/ other cultures...
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This essay aims to explore the relationship between "motherese" (child-directed speech) and language acquisition in children. It examines the stages of language development, focusing on the phonological aspects, and analyzes how motherese, with its specific characteristics, might influence a child's linguistic progress.
- Language acquisition stages in children
- The characteristics of motherese (child-directed speech)
- The potential impact of motherese on phonological development
- Cross-cultural variations in child-directed speech
- The role of linguistic input in language acquisition
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the essay by highlighting the ongoing debate surrounding language acquisition in children. It introduces the concept of "motherese" – the altered speech adults use when speaking to young children – and posits that this phenomenon may play a significant role in a child's linguistic development. The chapter establishes the essay's focus on exploring the connection between motherese and language acquisition, specifically within the context of a child's phonological development. The author emphasizes the complexity of language acquisition and its multifaceted nature.
Language Acquisition: This section provides a framework for understanding the process of language acquisition, particularly focusing on the stages outlined by Grimm (1998). It sets the stage for subsequent discussions on the role of motherese by outlining the developmental journey a child undergoes in mastering language. The emphasis on phonological development establishes a crucial link to the later sections where the essay delves into the phonetic adjustments adults make when interacting with young children.
Prelinguistical Phase: This chapter details the prelinguistical phase of language development, beginning in utero and extending to the child's first one-word utterances (around 10-13 months). It highlights the foetus's exposure to language even before birth, emphasizing the early reception of sounds, intonation, and rhythm. Post-birth, the child's ability to recognize familiar voices, react to rhythm, and even differentiate between speech patterns based on the native language is discussed, setting the foundation for the later stages of linguistic development.
The Phonological Development: This section charts the progression of a child's phonological development, detailing the stages from cooing and babbling to the production of first words and sentences. It provides a chronological overview of significant milestones, starting from the infant's early vocalizations and culminating in the completion of phonetic development around the age of six. The chapter serves as a detailed description of the process by which children acquire and refine their pronunciation, paving the way for analyzing the possible influence of motherese.
Motherese: This chapter provides a definition of "motherese," also known as baby talk, caregiver speech, or child-directed speech, and clarifies its various terms used throughout linguistic research. It explains how adults, primarily mothers or caregivers, adjust their speech when communicating with young children, highlighting the variations in phonetic, lexical, semantic, syntactic, and conversational aspects. It challenges previous assumptions of grammatical incorrectness in child-directed speech, providing counterarguments that support its well-formed structure.
Definition: Building upon the previous chapter, this section delves deeper into the specific characteristics of motherese, drawing on Snow's (1977) research and O'Grady's (1996) examples. It explores the phonetic changes (slower speech, higher pitch, exaggerated intonation), lexical and semantic adaptations (limited vocabulary, concrete references), syntactic simplifications (shorter sentences, correct word order), and conversational adjustments (repetitions, fewer utterances per turn). The aim is to clearly define the key features that distinguish motherese from adult-to-adult speech.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Language acquisition, motherese, child-directed speech, phonological development, prelinguistical phase, language input, linguistic environment, caregiver speech, baby talk.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main topic of this essay?
This essay explores the relationship between "motherese" (child-directed speech) and language acquisition in children. It examines how the characteristics of motherese might influence a child's linguistic progress, particularly focusing on phonological development.
What are the key themes explored in the essay?
Key themes include the stages of language acquisition in children, the characteristics of motherese, the potential impact of motherese on phonological development, cross-cultural variations in child-directed speech, and the role of linguistic input in language acquisition.
What are the stages of language development discussed?
The essay covers the prelinguistical phase (from in utero to first words), and the phonological development (from cooing and babbling to the production of sentences), detailing milestones and timelines.
What is motherese (child-directed speech)?
Motherese, also known as baby talk or caregiver speech, is the altered speech adults use when speaking to young children. The essay defines its phonetic, lexical, semantic, syntactic, and conversational characteristics, challenging previous assumptions about its grammatical incorrectness.
How does motherese differ from adult-to-adult speech?
Motherese differs in several ways: slower speech, higher pitch, exaggerated intonation, simpler vocabulary, shorter sentences, more repetitions, and fewer utterances per turn. The essay details these differences based on research from Snow (1977) and O'Grady (1996).
What is the potential impact of motherese on phonological development?
The essay investigates how the specific characteristics of motherese may influence a child's acquisition and refinement of pronunciation, though it doesn't definitively state a direct causal relationship. It sets the stage for further research on this topic.
Does the essay discuss cross-cultural variations in child-directed speech?
Yes, the essay briefly mentions and questions the presence or absence of motherese in other cultures, highlighting the need for further cross-cultural comparative research.
What are the key takeaways from the chapter summaries?
The chapter summaries provide a detailed overview of the stages of language acquisition, the characteristics of motherese, and how they might interrelate. They offer a structured approach to understanding the complex process of language development in children.
What are the keywords associated with this essay?
Keywords include language acquisition, motherese, child-directed speech, phonological development, prelinguistical phase, language input, linguistic environment, caregiver speech, and baby talk.
What is the overall aim of this essay?
The essay aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the relationship between motherese and language acquisition, focusing specifically on the phonological aspects of development and highlighting the need for further research in cross-cultural contexts.
- Quote paper
- Sonja Sickert (Author), 2005, What is 'Motherese' and how important is it for language acquisition?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/62735
