Features of Child

Directed Speech
 Phonology

Features
Pragmatics
of Child Lexis and
Directed semantics
Speech

Grammar
 Phonology
S-l-o-w-e-r, clearer pronunciation

More pauses
Higher and wider pitch
Exaggerated intonation
 Lexis and semantics
Use of concrete nouns (cat, train)

Use of dynamic verbs (give, put)

Adopt child’s own words for things
(doggie, babbit)
 Grammar
Simpler constructions
Frequent use of imperatives

Lots of repetition

Use of personal names instead of pronouns

(e.g. ‘Mummy’ not ‘I’)
 Pragmatics
Lots of gesture and body language
Stopping frequently for child to respond
Supportive language
(expansions & re-castings)