What is a characteristic of child-directed speech?

Child-directed speech, often referred to as "baby talk" or "motherese," is characterized by a specific style of speaking that adults use when interacting with young children. One of the most notable features is the use of exaggerated pitch contours. This means that the speaker tends to use higher pitch levels and more varied intonation, making the speech sound more musical and engaging for the child. The variation in pitch captures the child’s attention and aids in language learning by highlighting important aspects of speech.

In contrast, imprecise articulation would not typically be a defining characteristic of child-directed speech, as adults usually articulate words clearly to aid in a child's understanding. An increased speech rate is also uncommon in this context; adults tend to speak more slowly to enhance comprehension. Finally, shortening the pauses between words would negate the effectiveness of this speech style, as pauses play a crucial role in helping children process language and understand its rhythms. Therefore, exaggerated pitch contours stand out as a key feature of how adults modify their speech when communicating with young children, promoting linguistic engagement and development.