which of the following is not characteristic of child-directed speech?

2025

2 min read 18-03-2025

which of the following is not characteristic of child-directed speech?

Child-directed speech (CDS), also known as motherese or parentese, is the specialized register adults use when communicating with young children. It's characterized by a unique set of features designed to aid language acquisition. But what isn't typically a characteristic of CDS? Let's explore the common features and then identify the outlier.

Common Characteristics of Child-Directed Speech

Several key features consistently appear in CDS:

1. Higher Pitch and Exaggerated Intonation:

Adults speaking to infants and toddlers often use a higher pitch than in adult-adult conversations. The intonation is also more exaggerated, creating a melodic quality that helps capture a child's attention. Think of the sing-songy quality often employed.

2. Simplified Grammar and Vocabulary:

CDS typically simplifies sentence structure, using shorter sentences with fewer subordinate clauses. The vocabulary is also simpler, avoiding complex or abstract words. Think "doggy" instead of "Canis familiaris."

3. Slower Speech Rate:

Adults speaking to young children tend to speak more slowly than in typical adult conversations. This gives the child more time to process the information being presented.

4. Frequent Repetition and Expansions:

Repetition of words and phrases is common in CDS. Adults might also expand on a child's utterances, adding detail or correcting grammatical errors. For example, if a child says "car go," the adult might respond, "Yes, the red car is going fast!"

5. Exaggerated Facial Expressions and Gestures:

Nonverbal communication plays a significant role in CDS. Adults often use exaggerated facial expressions and gestures to emphasize meaning and make communication more engaging for the child. This multimodal input greatly aids comprehension.

6. Focus on Here and Now:

CDS often centers on the immediate context, referencing objects and events directly observable to the child. Abstract concepts are usually avoided in favor of concrete examples.

Identifying the Non-Characteristic Feature: A Multiple Choice Example

Let's say you're presented with a multiple-choice question:

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of child-directed speech?

a) Higher pitch b) Simplified grammar c) Complex sentence structures d) Exaggerated intonation

The correct answer is c) Complex sentence structures. As discussed earlier, CDS is characterized by simplified grammar, avoiding complex sentence structures. The other options are all common features of CDS.

Why CDS Matters

The specific features of CDS are not accidental. Research suggests they play a crucial role in language development. The simplified language, exaggerated intonation, and repetition help children learn words and grammar more easily. The slower speech rate allows for better processing. The interactive nature of CDS fosters communication and engagement.

Further Considerations

It's important to remember that CDS isn't a monolithic entity. The specific features used can vary depending on factors like the child's age, the parent's personality, and the cultural context. However, the core principles of simplification, repetition, and engagement generally remain consistent.

Understanding the characteristics—and non-characteristics—of CDS is crucial for anyone working with young children, including parents, educators, and speech-language pathologists. It helps us better understand how language acquisition unfolds and how to support children's language development most effectively.