What Is Baby Language And What Are Its Benefits?
You’ve probably noticed how adults change their way of speaking and their use of voice when talking to babies and young children. Baby language is just such an adult way of speaking to young children in a melodic and high voice, changing their intonation and way of expression.
It is important to keep in mind that language is a skill that children gradually acquire over several years. Therefore, the way adults, and especially parents, express themselves in the company of a child is an important factor in speech learning.
Baby tongue and its features
The term baby language thus refers to the way adults – and even children over the age of six – adapt their language when communicating with young children. This mode of expression is characterized by the modulation of three basic aspects of spoken language:
According to speech therapist Marc Monfort, the key features of baby language are:
- Slow pace
- High voice
- Accurate and clear pronunciation
- Expressive intonation and vocal stretching
- Using short and simple sentences
- Using a limited number of words and usually choosing the simplest formulas and using reduction formats
- Constant reference to context
- Using gestures alongside speech
With the help of baby language, the language is adapted to the special characteristics and evolutionary development of children. In this way, the child is exposed to appropriate and varied language models.
As mentioned earlier, children are usually spoken to slowly and using simple sentences, with special attention paid to pronunciation and vocabulary. This makes it easier for the child to follow the speech, making it easier to start and continue long and interesting conversations. Flattery and word repetition also increase a child’s vocabulary.
Guidelines for talking to children
Parents should pay attention to how they communicate with their child. Especially during the early stages of development, talking to a child is very helpful and enriching. In addition to baby language, there are many other ways to talk to a child as effectively as possible.
Here are some ways to stimulate the language development of your baby and young child:
- Descend to the level of the child and make eye contact with him
- Play games together where the child makes use of their ability to speak and listen
- Learn and recite or sing children’s songs
- Take your child with you to everyday chores, such as going to the grocery store
- Listen actively and repeat and reformulate the child’s speech
- Take advantage of positive reinforcement
Spoken language is a natural skill that is practiced immediately after birth by communicating with the environment. Children learn to speak by listening to their loved ones and especially their parents. This is why baby language and other positive ways of communicating are so important.
