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Parentese helps babies learn language. It makes
your words easier for baby to hear.
Parentese is not baby talk (oo es da cootest witto baby in da wold), which is unintelligible. Parentese makes language more intelligible. Parents from all over the world naturally use parentese with infants and babies. Many parents are not aware of using it. Next time you talk or read to your baby, notice how you naturally change your tone, rhythm, and pitch even if very subtly.
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When speaking or reading to their babies, parents:
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Position their faces close to baby's face (eight inches for newborns)
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Use shorter utterances
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Speak in an exaggerated melodious tone
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Articulate clearly
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Vary and raise their pitch (as much as an octave)
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Frequently use repetition
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Use exaggerated facial expressions (eye contact, raising eyebrows, big smiles)
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Move their bodies rhythmically
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Lengthen vowels (sooooo cuuuuute)
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Use shorter sentences
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Use longer pauses
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Put unfamiliar words on ends of sentences for stress
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Give positive feedback and loving attention (in response to babble)
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Caroline is available for talks about the importance of reading to babies. She also contributes to on-line magazines on the subject of language and literacy development.
