Input

Input is…

• all the language to which the child is exposed to

input is called…

• linguistic input

• or the child’s linguistic environment

Input contains…

• adult directed speech (ADS)

• child directed speech (CDS)

ADS

• speech between adults

• child’s primary source of input

CDS

• Type of modified speech

• speech that adults use when interacting with young children

Name the 6 special characteristics in CDS

• Phonology

• Vocabulary

• Morphology

• Syntax

• Discourse

• Not universal

What does phonology look like in CDS

• higher pitch

• exaggerated stress and intonation

• clear enunciation

• slower rate of speech (words/minute)

What does vocabulary look like in CDS

• simple words—> words that fit into a basic category

• e.g. “look at this German Shepherd” vs “look at this dog!”

• concrete words (nouns: u can see them hear them and touch them)

• focus on “here” and “now”—> whatever is in their environment

What does morphology look like in CDS

• simplification of endings (language dependent)

What does syntax look like in CDS

• well-formed sentences

• short/simple sentences

• questions (we ask lots of them bc they can’t tell u what they want yet)

• imperatives (commands) let’s go to the washroom

• sentences in which the subject is the agent of the action (active)—> the dog is barking

What does discourse (conversation) look like in CDS

• Turn-taking

• Topics of interest to the child

Why is CDS not universal?

differences in characteristics across languages

helpful but not necessary (children being talked to as an adult vs a child doesn’t matter

When thinking of input overall what do you notice?

• children heard a variety of speech ADS and maybe CDS

• input is dynamic

• all children dont have same input but all children have enough to acquire language (genie is an exception)