Dynamic Adaptation in Child–Adult Language Interaction. Issue 2 (5th March 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: van Dijk, Marijn; van Geert, Paul; Korecky‐Kröll, Katharina; Maillochon, Isabelle; Laaha, Sabine; Dressler, Wolfgang U.; Bassano, Dominique
• Is Part Of: Language learning. Volume 63:Issue 2(2013)
• Page Start: 243
• Page End: 270
• Publication Date: 2013-03-05
• Subjects: child‐directed speech -- CDS -- child language -- adaptation -- scaffolding -- dynamic systems -- MLU -- vocabulary; Language and languages -- Periodicals; Language and languages -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; Linguistics; 407
• DOI: 10.1111/lang.12002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0023-8333

Abstract

Abstract : When speaking to young children, adults adapt their language to that of the child. In this article, we suggest that this child‐directed speech (CDS) is the result of a transactional process of dynamic adaptation between the child and the adult. The study compares developmental trajectories of three children to those of the CDS of their caregivers. Furthermore, a mathematical‐conceptual model is built that captures the essential dynamics of adaptation in a series of coupled equations. This model is sensitive to changes in the language development of the child. The results show evidence for a dynamic form of adaptation, although there are also clear individual differences.