Early Child Language

Question 1

1 day old

Answer 1

At birth a child will turn towards it’s mother on hearing her voice

Question 2

4 days old

Answer 2

Jacques Mehler 1988- recognises native language

Question 3

2 weeks old

Answer 3

Can distinguish between human and non human sounds. Caretakers instinctively encourage patterns of conversation.

Question 4

0-2 months

Answer 4

Controlling air flow, gradually develop control of their air flow in order to make noises linked to their basic physical conditions. 6 weeks, voice box disengaged to allow breathing whilst feeding, but in control of it by 3 and a half months. Crying not a language as it’s universally recognised.

Question 5

6-8 weeks

Answer 5

Cooing stage, velar sounds made as the child gains increased control over the vocal cords and articulators. Sounds strung together but no recognisable pattern as yet.

Question 6

2-4 months

Answer 6

Babies responding to the meaning of tones of voice. Tongue beginning to move horizontally and vertically, enabling an increased range of sounds. Vocal cords and lips are strengthening and babies begin to imitate mouth movements of adults.

Question 7

6-12 months

Answer 7

Babbling phase. Begin to relate utterances to their contexts. Point to things as answers. Reduplicated monosyllables, parents keen to believe that this is talking. By 9 months, recognisable intonation patterns will be used for distinctive phrases eg rise and fall of “all gone”. Pitch is generally high. Glides from high to low. Blow bubbles to strengthen lips.

Question 8

Pre birth

Answer 8

Before birth a child had started to become used to the sounds, rhythms and intonation of its native language and it’s mothers voice in the womb