Many parents ask speech-language pathologists if they are stifling their child’s language development by using baby talk. This depends upon what your definition of “baby talk” is. The important thing to remember is that children need to hear simplified sentences if they are to have any chance of being able to imitate them. Imagine yourself if learning a foreign language – when you hear short clear phrases frequently enough you are more likely to be able to recall and use them.
Simplify Sentences, Not Words
Simplifying sentences doesn’t mean that individual words needs to be simplified. For example, when offering a child a banana to eat, it’s best to say, “Would you like a banana?”, “Here’s a banana” or simply “Banana?”, rather than saying, “Would you like nana?”, “Here’s a nana.” or “Nana”. As previously mentioned, children understand more than what they can say, so teach them the correct word (and pronunciation) from the start.
Always Model Words Correctly
Children are likely to initially struggle to say a word like “banana” correctly, perhaps saying “nana” instead. However, it’s important that adults continue to model the correct pronunciation (but not in a way that puts any pressure on the child). Aim to indirectly follow up an incorrect pronunciation from a child with your own correct model, as just hearing how it should be said in the right context is helpful to children. Don’t indicate to the child that their pronunciation is wrong (unless their speech and language skills are delayed).
A conversation may be:
Adult: “Would you like a banana?”
Child: “Nana!”
Adult: “Banana! Here’s your banana.”
Simplify Sentences to Support Toddler Language Development
When talking to children try to use sentences one word longer than the sentences that they are already saying. This will make it easier for them to attempt to imitate them. If they are still saying single words, continue to use single words until they have at least fifty single words in their spontaneous spoken vocabulary (expected around the age of two years), before targeting two-word phrases.
Record Spoken Vocabulary in Toddlers
It is helpful to start a list of words that a child is saying (spontaneously, not imitated) on a sheet of paper kept on the fridge where it can regularly be accessed and added to. The page may be divided into nouns (labels for objects/people), verbs (action words), greetings and other words. This will indicate how many words (and the type of words) a child has in their vocabulary.
Toddler Speech and Language Development
Speech development and language development are often closely intertwined during the toddler years, and it’s not until preschool that these skills can be more clearly separated. In the early years, normal speech and language development includes incorrect pronunciation of words. This may include “nana” for “banana”, “lellow” for “yellow” or “deen” for “green”. These are all examples of phonological processes that speech-language pathologists can discuss further if there are concerns. Should these types of speech errors be occurring during or beyond the preschool years with no sign of resolving, please seek the advice of a speech-language pathologist.
Although it’s good to always keep in mind that children develop at their own rate, it’s also important to ask for support if you have any concerns. Too often parents delay making an appointment with speech-language pathologists, which can sometimes lead to bigger language delays. Remember (as with all specialists) that there are often lengthy waiting lists to see these professionals. Early intervention can make huge differences to a child’s speech and language development.
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Claire Bolton - As well as being a freelance writer, Claire is an experienced Speech Pathologist/Speech & Language Therapist and Life/Business Coach, who ...
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