California Teacher Credentialing Examination (CSET) Practice Test

Child-directed speech, often referred to as "baby talk" or "infant-directed speech," is characterized by several distinctive features that aid in a child's language development. Higher pitch is utilized as it tends to capture a child’s attention more effectively; the increased emotional expression inherent in this type of speech helps to engage children emotionally and facilitates bonding. The use of simpler vocabulary is essential, as it ensures that the language used is comprehensible to children who are still learning the complexities of language.

In contrast, complex sentences are not typically a feature of child-directed speech. This form of speech focuses on clear, simple, and repetitive structure to support language acquisition in young children. Therefore, the absence of complex sentences highlights that they do not align with the communicative strategies that cater to the developmental needs of young listeners. Instead, child-directed speech favors clarity and simplicity to foster understanding and encourage learning.