ELT: Principles and Theories

19 October 2021
of Language Acquisition
Dr. Maribeth M. Cabrejas
Course Professor
RESEARCH METHODSand findings found

Activity: 6

Read and understand the concepts on the Motherese Approach in Language

Acquisition posted in the google classroom.

Write a refection paper following the guidelines:

1. Write a title of your reflection paper

2. Paragraph 1 contains the concepts, insights and ideas you learn. (What I
learn?)
3. Paragraph 2 contains your realization on the concepts learned. (What I
realized?)
4. Paragraph 3 contains ways on how you will use the concepts, ideas and
insights learned. (How will I apply my learning?)
 Special Form of Speech

Children's ability to think and learn for themselves is enhanced by good

communication abilities. When we converse to a newborn, we commonly utilize
parentese. The rhythmic and melodious noises we make encourage the youngster to
pay attention and respond by babbling. We are also highlighting the need of providing
youngsters with clear models of the sounds that make up words. Making eye contact
and speaking face-to-face with a newborn improves them social interaction skills.
Parentese, in essence, illustrates many essential aspects of language use. It's also a
technique for babies to communicate and learn language.
Motherese/Parentese is not the same as what is commonly referred to as "baby
talk" which is a jumble of goofy sounds and gibberish phrases. It is instead fully
grammatical speech, with real words, stretched vowels, and exaggerated voice tones.
My parents used to tell me how easy it was for me to learn to speak my mother tongue
when I was only two and a half years old. They claimed that whenever they spoke to
me, they never used "baby talk," but instead spoke in a conversational manner. As a
result, my communication skills develop early.
It is better to talk babies using proper grammar and real words. For example say
"Do you want to drink water?" instead of "Mamam" (gibberish word for water). Child will
also learn to communicate by observing how you interact with others. If you speak
positively to others, your child will learn to do the same. Take for example, during
mealtimes, you can such as 'What was good about your day today?' Even if the infant is
unable to respond, he or she understands.