We discussed what the developmental research says about how our innate drive to use infant-directed speech actually supports development!įor the full discussion, head over to our podcast episode to have a listen or read (or download) the transcript of the “developmental thought.” Some of the main characteristics of infant-directed speech include: We know there are many links between music and speech/language!, and we defined what many of those components are. In our corresponding podcast episode, Infant-Directed Speech, we discussed the ways in which some of the components of infant-directed speech make our voices sound more musical.

There are specific and recognizable patterns of speech that are used all over the world, and in all different types of languages, that can be characterized as “infant-directed speech.” Depending on who you talk to, this is also called “motherese,” “parentese,” or even “baby talk” (though, that last term has many different definitions and connotations).

I’m so glad to hear there is a reason why we do this… and to have some ideas that make me feel better about engaging with my baby this way! I mean, I’d say that I didn’t sound quite as insane… but I definitely changed my speech patterns and my voice. And then, I had my own.Īnd I did it, too. It sometimes felt akin to listening to nails on a chalkboard – people just sounded ridiculous when they spoke to babies.

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