In scientific literature, baby talk is called “parentese” and is a unique way of communicating with babies. Classic baby talk will include speaking at a higher pitch, with exaggerated (夸张的) intonation, simplified vocabulary, and repetitive phrases. It has a melodic quality, coupled with exaggerated facial expressions. Adults also tend to speak more slowly and emphasize key words or phrases when engaging in baby talk. What’s the point of using such a ridiculous style of talking with babies? Why not just talk to a baby with normal speech, like we’d talk to another adult?
Primarily, we use baby talk to capture the baby’s attention. The exaggerated vocalizations and facial expressions serve to engage the child’s focus by being distinct from all the other noise and visual stimuli around the baby. Remember, the brain of a newborn baby is still developing and needs different cues to engage and learn something.
Baby talk also helps to establish an emotional connection between the adult and the baby. The melodic and nurturing tone conveys affection, love, and care. As a result, in a way, it reassures the child by giving them a sense of security.
Interestingly, there was a study where researchers tested 2,329 babies from 16 countries on their preference for this high-pitched, animated vocalization... babies love it when adults engage in baby talk. The study also revealed that babies from almost all cultures have an inherent love for baby talk.
Newborns can’t speak, but they come ready to learn. Evidence suggests that human brains are primed to absorb and process linguistic input. The melodic patterns and simplified language of baby talk help infants differentiate speech sounds and identify keywords, facilitating more efficient language development.
However, it’s important to strike a balance between baby talk and normal adult conversation as babies grow older and their language skills develop. As children become more proficient in understanding and producing language, adults should adapt and advance their communication style accordingly.
【小题1】Which of the following is the characteristic of baby talk?| A．Vivid expressions. | B．Rich information. |
| C．Complex grammar. | D．Large vocabulary. |
| A．To entertain adults. | B．To form emotional bond. |
| C．To learn more about babies. | D．To help babies understand the adult world. |
| A．Describing a phenomenon. | B．Offering advice. |
| C．Analyzing causes. | D．Interpreting facts. |
| A．What is baby talk? | B．Why can’t adults talk like babies? |
| C．How do babies talk with adults? | D．Why can’t adults talk normally to babies? |
