Examining core vocabulary with language development for early symbolic communicators

Area of Science:

• Speech and Language Pathology
• Developmental Psychology
• Linguistics

Background:

• Core vocabulary lists are foundational for selecting words for individuals using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).
• Understanding the timing of core vocabulary acquisition in typical development is crucial for effective AAC intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the emergence of words on common core vocabulary lists with typical language development milestones.
• To analyze the parts of speech composition of core vocabulary lists and compare them with established language inventories.

Main Methods:

• Examined the age of acquisition for words on seven distinct core vocabulary lists in children with typical spoken language development.
• Analyzed the parts of speech distribution within these lists.
• Compared the composition of core vocabulary lists to the MacArthur Bates Communication Development Inventories (CDI).

Main Results:

• Words on core vocabulary lists typically emerge after 24 months of age (ranging from 25 to 66 months).
• Verbs constitute the majority part of speech on most core lists.
• Core vocabulary words represent a small fraction of the total vocabulary documented in the CDI.

Conclusions:

• Core vocabulary words appear significantly later in typical language development than often assumed.
• Relying solely on current core vocabulary lists for early AAC users may result in restricted and inconsistent vocabulary development.
• Interventionists should consider the developmental timing of core words to avoid potential gaps in early communicators' lexicons.