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How Toddlers Use Core and Fringe Vocabulary: What's in an Utterance?
Cathy Binger1, Priscilla Magallanes1, Vanessa San Miguel1
1Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences, The University of New Mexico, Albuquerque.
American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology
|March 20, 2024
Summary
Selecting core vocabulary for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) users requires more than word frequency. Toddlers use core and fringe vocabulary together for grammatically superior utterances, indicating frequency alone is insufficient for AAC vocabulary selection.
Area of Science:
- Speech and Language Pathology
- Developmental Psychology
- Assistive Technology
Background:
- Selecting vocabulary for preliterate individuals using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is challenging due to cognitive and motoric needs.
- Prioritizing vocabulary is necessary, with core vocabulary (frequently used words) being a common practice.
- Existing research on core vocabulary primarily focuses on word counts, neglecting typical language development and utterance usage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze how typically developing toddlers use core and fringe vocabulary within their utterances.
- To compare vocabulary usage against common core vocabulary lists.
- To inform vocabulary selection for preliterate AAC users.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 112 transcripts from typically developing toddlers (2.5 years old).
- Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis of vocabulary usage.
- Examination of core and fringe vocabulary within utterances.
Main Results:
- The proportion of core-only, fringe-only, or combined core and fringe vocabulary utterances varied significantly based on core list size.
- Smaller core vocabulary lists resulted in fewer 'core-only' utterances.
- Utterances combining core and fringe vocabulary demonstrated superior grammatical and semantic qualities compared to single-category utterances.
Conclusions:
- Reliance solely on word frequency counts is inadequate for selecting vocabulary for preliterate AAC users.
- A balanced approach considering both core and fringe vocabulary is crucial for effective AAC communication.
- Understanding typical language development in toddlers provides insights for AAC vocabulary selection.
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