Motherese
Adult-to-child language, which has been called motherese, differs in a number of ways from adult-to-adult language. In general, speech to children learning language is shorter, more concrete, more directive, and more intonationally exaggerated than adult-directed speech.Of course, just because we speak in these ways to children does not necessarily mean that this speech will assist them in acquiring language. As a matter of fact, some of the properties of adult-to-child language are also seen when adults speak to dogs and even to plants. The effect of this form of speech on dogs and plants is not known.
“The Psychology of Language” David W. Carrol. pg 317. Emphasis mine.
I don’t know about you, but it’s been a long time since I’ve met a dog or plant seeking assistance in language acquisition. This one fact may explain the lack of available data. Or plants and dogs are really good at hiding their true language learning intentions. Who knows? Could be.
posted by Lauren @ Saturday, April 15, 2006
1 Comments:
Oh my God... I'm laughing my ass off.
Awesome.
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